Actor Lee Yi Kyung is preparing to return to public life after a months-long hiatus following a controversy surrounding his private communications. He will be taking on a new role as a special DJ on SBS PowerFM’s “Cultwo Show” on , marking his first official activity in approximately four months.
The controversy began in of last year when a woman identifying herself as German, referred to as “A,” publicly alleged that she had received sexually suggestive messages from Lee Yi Kyung via social media direct messages. She initially shared screenshots of their conversations, describing them as “sexually explicit patterned messages,” sparking immediate public backlash.
The situation took several unexpected turns. A initially apologized, claiming the images had been created using artificial intelligence, but then reversed her position, asserting she felt wronged and alleging pressure from Lee Yi Kyung’s agency, Sangyoung Entertainment, to retract her initial post. Lee Yi Kyung’s agency responded swiftly, initiating legal action against A for defamation and the spread of false information. Lee Yi Kyung himself stated, “The conclusion you are all curious about is that a warrant has been issued and the suspect will soon be identified. I will personally submit the complaint to the German authorities, even if I have to go to Germany. There will be no leniency for malicious commenters.”
Following the initial allegations, Lee Yi Kyung stepped down from his role on the popular MBC variety show “How Do You Play?” His participation in E Channel’s “Brave Detectives 4” was also adjusted, shifting from a fixed role to guest appearances. However, he continued to appear on other programs, including SBS Plus and ENA’s “I Am Solo,” “Traveling While Highballing,” and “Traveling While Highballing,” with his agency attributing any temporary absences from scheduled recordings to scheduling conflicts rather than the ongoing controversy.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with investigations underway at Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station on charges of blackmail and defamation. The agency confirmed that a statement from the complainant has been completed. Lee Yi Kyung also expressed frustration with his portrayal in the media, particularly regarding a scene from “How Do You Play?” that he felt contributed to a negative public perception, and ultimately received an apology for its use.
His upcoming appearance on “Cultwo Show” represents a significant step in his return to the entertainment industry. According to his agency, Lee Yi Kyung will serve as a special MC alongside the regular hosts, engaging directly with listeners. This will be the first time he has addressed the public directly since the controversy erupted. He previously appeared on the show for promotional purposes last year, but this time, his role is more central, raising speculation about whether he will address the allegations and the current status of the legal proceedings.
Beyond the radio appearance, Lee Yi Kyung is also slated to star in the upcoming drama “Endlessly, You.” The timing of his return to both radio and television suggests a deliberate strategy by his agency to re-establish his presence in the industry and begin to rebuild his public image. The extent to which the public will embrace his return remains to be seen, but his willingness to engage directly with listeners on “Cultwo Show” indicates a desire to address the situation and move forward.
The case highlights the complexities of navigating public image and legal recourse in the age of social media, where allegations can spread rapidly and the line between fact and fabrication can become blurred. The initial claim of AI-generated images, followed by the complainant’s reversal, underscores the challenges of verifying information and the potential for misinformation to influence public opinion. Lee Yi Kyung’s strong legal response, while understandable, also demonstrates the high stakes involved in protecting one’s reputation in the entertainment industry.
