Former tennis player and broadcaster Lee Hyung-taek opened up about the assault dispute with taekwondo athlete Lee Dae-hoon.
The MBC program Radio Star, airing Wednesday the 16th at 10:30 p.m. (planning Chey Yoon-chung / directed by Yoon Hye-jin, Hwang Yoon-sang, Byun Da-hee, Yang In-hye), will feature a special "Nagoya-ho! Asian Games" edition with Lee Hyung-taek, Lee Hye-jung, Jo Jun-ho and Minami.
Visiting Radio Star for the second time, Lee Hyung-taek from the start showed an unusual appetite for entertainment. He said he felt empty after The Gentlemen's League ended and honestly wished, "These days I have a lot of free time so I hope a regular entertainment program will come along," he said. While admitting that wanting two might be greedy, he even offered a concrete plan that he would like one regular show and to appear occasionally on other programs, drawing laughter.
He then directly analyzed the fierce competition for spots among former athletes turned entertainers. With more athletes entering broadcasting, Lee Hyung-taek, who is considering where he should find his place, offered frank evaluations of Yoon Seok-min, Hwang Jae-gyun and Kim Young-kwang. The MCs pointed out Lee Hyung-taek's characteristic "kanjook" persona, discovering his unique entertainment competitiveness, and Lee Hyung-taek likewise made the set a sea of laughter with his proactive attempt to find a niche.
In particular, that day Lee Hyung-taek directly addressed the past "assault allegation" entangled with Lee Dae-hoon. He said the incident began when, after drinking, Lee Dae-hoon was helping him get home and they fell together. But over time the story spread that Lee Dae-hoon had assaulted him, and rumors grew to include claims that someone put an apple on his head and kicked it, even involving a peach, which surprised everyone.
Lee Hyung-taek also revealed why he did not speak out vigorously at the time. He said being drunk was not something to brag about and he was embarrassed, so he did not want to bother explaining. But he explained the situation at the time, saying false stories continued to be added.
He also recalled special memories related to the Asian Games. Having experienced the Asian Games stage several times, Lee Hyung-taek said he missed the Incheon Asian Games, which he was preparing for as his fourth appearance, due to an injury. Instead of standing on the court as an athlete, he played an important role in the opening ceremony torch relay and showed his presence.
He especially recalled the moment he climbed the stairs carrying the torch and handed it directly to Lee Young-ae, adding the memory of trying to make eye contact with Lee Young-ae, which brought laughter.
That day a pride battle between Lee Hyung-taek and Jo Jun-ho also unfolded. Lee Hyung-taek emphasized Asian Games medals while Jo Jun-ho touted the value of Olympic medals, and the two were locked in a close contest. The MCs even stepped in to mediate the tense exchange between the two, who would not give an inch over tennis and judo.
Meanwhile, Lee Hyung-taek revealed the recent state of his middle school daughter, who not only resembles him in appearance but also mirrors his tennis style. She gained confidence after winning a recent tournament and, after watching the US Open together, expressed a stronger desire to train harder. Footage of Lee Hyung-taek's proud look as he watches his daughter, who dreams of following in his footsteps on the world stage, will also be shown.
Separately, Kim Gu Ra spoke about the assault dispute between the two on his YouTube channel Grigura on the 14th, saying, "Lee Hyung-taek appeared on Radio Star. There was gossip that Lee Hyung-taek fought with taekwondo athlete Lee Dae-hoon. The story went that the two had been drinking, and Lee Hyung-taek suggested a bet and put an apple on his head, and Lee Dae-hoon, drinking, swung his leg and hit it, or something like that," he said.
He added, "Lee Hyung-taek explained it when he appeared on Radio Star and said he had been staying still. The two drank a lot and fell while trying to get a taxi, and someone saw that. From that, people said Lee Hyung-taek and Lee Dae-hoon had a fight," mentioning the rumor.
[Photo] MBC Radio Star
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