25.11.22.Today News : “Hangout With Yoo” Production Team Apologizes After Lee Yi-kyung Controversy

“Hangout With Yoo” Production Team Apologizes After Lee Yi-kyung Controversy

📍Lee Yi-kyung: “Filed legal complaint over false rumors… disappointed by production response”, Production team admits forcing ‘slurping noodles’ scene and recommending his exit

Actor Lee Yi-kyung has announced legal action against an individual who spread false personal rumors about him, while publicly expressing disappointment over how the production team of the MBC variety show Hangout With Yoo handled his departure. Just one day after Lee revealed details of the situation, the production team issued an official apology acknowledging responsibility, reigniting public controversy.

Actor Lee Yi-kyung has announced legal action against an individual who spread false personal rumors about him, while publicly expressing disappointment over how the production team of the MBC variety show Hangout With Yoo handled his departure.

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🔹 Lee Yi-kyung publicly reveals legal action: “Victim of threats and fabricated rumors”
On November 21, Lee Yi-kyung uploaded a photo of an official complaint to his Instagram account, confirming he had begun legal proceedings regarding persistent false allegations and threats.

He wrote:

“I visited the Gangnam Police Station to give my statement as the complainant and completed the legal procedures for defamation through false information and intimidation.”

Lee said he had remained silent due to his agency’s request not to comment publicly until legal action was formally underway.

“Every moment was infuriating, but I was told to wait until the filing was complete,” he added.

Lee described the rumor-spreader, identified only as A, as someone claiming to be living in Germany who repeatedly sent threatening emails over several months.

🔹 “Production team encouraged my withdrawal”—accusations of forced segment and unfair editing
Lee Yi-kyung also expressed strong frustration toward the production of MBC’s Hangout With Yoo, claiming he was pushed out of the program despite the rumor later being disproven.

“Even after it was confirmed to be fabricated, the production staff suggested I step down from the show, and that’s why it was framed as a voluntary departure.”

He further stated that the controversial “noodle-slurping” segment—which drew public backlash—was not his idea:

“I clearly said I didn’t want to do it, but they insisted, saying they had already rented the noodle restaurant. My line saying ‘It's just for the show’ was edited out.”

Lee emphasized that he was left to bear the consequences alone:

“The controversy was entirely placed on me, and my public image took significant damage.”

He added that he later discovered he had been replaced in another program, despite being told he would appear only via pre-recorded segments.

🔹 Production team issues apology one day later: “We acknowledge responsibility”
On November 22, just one day after Lee’s public statement, the Hangout With Yoo production team posted an official apology on its social media accounts.

“We sincerely apologize to Lee Yi-kyung, who was hurt, and to all viewers who were disappointed.”

The production team confirmed several of Lee’s accusations:

■ They acknowledged initiating the discussion for his exit.
■ They admitted requesting the slurping-noodle segment.
■ They explained the earlier statement claiming a voluntary exit was meant as a form of “consideration” to protect him.

The production stated:

“Due to the nature of variety programming, where laughter is essential, we felt it would be difficult to continue while rumors were circulating. In hindsight, our judgment lacked care and sensitivity.”

🔹 “I will follow this through”—Lee Yi-kyung continues legal pursuit
Lee Yi-kyung stated that the legal process was still underway and expected further developments soon.

“Once a warrant is issued, the suspect will be identified. Even if they are in Germany, I will go there myself to file the complaint.”

He stressed he would pursue additional action against malicious commenters as well:

“There will be no leniency.”

Despite the ongoing dispute, Lee assured fans his career activities remain uninterrupted:

“Filming is continuing normally. I recently completed the movie Generation Gap and am currently working on a Vietnamese film, overseas drama, and additional entertainment content.”

One-line summary : Actor Lee Yi-kyung filed a legal complaint over fabricated rumors and criticized the production team of Hangout With Yoo for mishandling his departure, leading the team to issue a public apology acknowledging their responsibility.