Lee Yi Kyung’s Agency Addresses “AAA” Acceptance Speech Allegedly Targeting Yoo Jae Suk

Actor Lee Yi Kyung was selected as the winner of the “AAA Best Choice” category at the 10th Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025, held on the 6th at the Kaohsiung National Stadium. On stage, he expressed gratitude and addressed recent personal life rumors directly, saying, “Honestly, this might not fit the festive mood, but lately, it felt like being hit by hail not predicted in the weather forecast. The suspected individual has sent apologies and requests for leniency via company email. I’m determined to catch them,” garnering support.

Lee Yi Kyung was recently embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of engaging in sexual conversations via social media messages with an overseas netizen. The netizen initially apologized claiming the original exposé was AI-manipulated but later reversed their stance, insisting on their innocence, repeatedly deleting and reposting content. In relation to this, Lee Yi Kyung’s agency has filed a defamation lawsuit over the spread of false information and is currently awaiting investigation results.

Additionally, in his speech, he added, “Are you watching SNL Korea? I’m taking Thursdays off now. Haha hyung, Woo Jae hyung, I miss you,” drawing attention. Coincidentally, the MBC variety show Hangout With Yoo — from which Lee Yi Kyung stepped down due to personal life controversies — records every Thursday. Furthermore, he only mentioned fixed cast members Haha and Joo Woo Jae, sparking speculation that he deliberately “targeted” Yoo Jae Suk, another fixed member and the show’s emotional pillar.

Yoo Jae Suk actually faced malicious comments suggesting he had a hand behind Lee Yi Kyung’s resignation from Hangout With Yoo. In response, Yoo’s agency Antenna announced plans to take legal action against false rumors and malicious posts. Despite this, criticism arose that Lee Yi Kyung singled out Yoo Jae Suk by “passing him over,” prompting the agency to issue another clear stance.

Actor Lee Yi Kyung’s side denied the controversy over allegedly “targeting” broadcaster Yoo Jae Suk by not mentioning him in his acceptance speech.

On the 7th, a representative from Lee Yi Kyung’s agency told OSEN, “Please take actor Lee Yi Kyung’s recent acceptance speech as it is. There was absolutely no intention or reason to target or attack Yoo Jae Suk.”