Lee Yi-kyung has taken legal action against an unidentified individual who spread rumors about his private life, revealing his emotions directly despite his agency's attempts to stop him.
On November 21, the actor posted a lengthy statement on social media, addressing a netizen A who claimed to be German. He noted that he had initially refrained from speaking because his agency had asked him to stay silent.
After appointing a lawyer, Lee Yi-kyung filed a complaint with the Gangnam Police Station, accusing A of intimidation and defamation by spreading false information via the Information and Communications Network Act.
He described months of distress. According to Lee, the person claiming to be German repeatedly sent threatening emails to his agency, disappearing and reappearing just as suddenly. "I was furious every moment," he wrote.
The situation led to his departure from MBC's Hangout With Yoo. "A claimed everything was fabricated and disappeared within a day, but I had already been advised to step down, so I left voluntarily," he explained.
He also addressed a separate controversy that arose on the same program. Regarding the "noodle restaurant incident," he said he initially refused the segment, but the production insisted because the restaurant had already been rented. "When the issue blew up, the staff only said they were rushed. I had to bear the entire controversy alone, and my image suffered," he recalled.
Lee hinted at another show he was supposed to join, KBS2's The Return of Superman. "I was told I would appear through VCRs, but after the rumor spread, I learned from news reports that I had been replaced," he said.
Despite setbacks, he shared that his work continues smoothly. He recently finished filming the movie Generational Regret, and is actively working on a Vietnamese film, overseas drama projects, and variety show shoots.
Lee vowed firm action as the investigation progresses. "Once the warrant is issued, the suspect will be identified soon. Even if they're in Germany, I will personally go and submit the complaint," he warned.
He ended by thanking those who stood by him: "To my fans who waited and believed in me, and to everyone from I Am Solo, Brave Detectives, and The Handsome Guys who showed loyalty and trust—thank you."
Lee Yi-kyung became embroiled in controversy last month after posts on a blog claimed he exchanged explicit conversations and photos. His agency has announced a strict no-mercy policy, promising determined legal action despite the time it may require.
