"Advised to Leave the Show, Made My Own Decision"
"Will File Complaint Even in Germany"
Actor Lee Ikyeong broke his silence regarding rumors about his personal life for the first time in about a month and made his complaint public. The statement was directed at the individual who spread the rumors, and he also expressed his disappointment while explaining the background behind his departure from the variety show "Hangout with Yoo?".
On the 21st, Lee Ikyeong stated on his social networking service (SNS), "The reason I have not shared my position until now is because my agency requested that I refrain from making any comments until I had appointed a lawyer and completed the criminal complaint against the distributor of the rumors."
He also revealed that he recently visited the Seoul Gangnam Police Station and completed his statement as the complainant. He explained that he had clarified his position regarding the rumors and completed the legal process of filing complaints for both threats and defamation by spreading false information.
He mentioned that he was overwhelmed with anger at every moment, saying, "A person claiming to be German, whose identity and actual existence are unknown, repeatedly appeared and disappeared, just as they sent threatening emails to the company several months ago. The company, stating there was no reason to engage in a dispute over false information, tried to calm me down once again."
Lee Ikyeong also expressed his disappointment with the production team of MBC’s "Hangout with Yoo?", with whom he had worked for a long time. He said, "Although it was dismissed as fabrication in just one day and disappeared, I was still recommended to leave the show, and we ultimately chose to step down voluntarily. Even during the previous 'noodle slurping controversy,' I clearly said I did not want to participate, but I was asked to do it because the noodle restaurant had been rented for me. Despite this, my comment, 'This is just for entertainment!' was edited out."
He further explained, "After the controversy erupted, the production team only made the absurd excuse that they were in a hurry, and I had to bear the full brunt of the controversy myself. My image suffered significant damage as a result."
He also updated fans that his new filming activities are proceeding without any issues. He has completed filming for the movie "Generational Disappointment," and is currently working on a Vietnamese film, as well as overseas dramas and variety shows.
Lee Ikyeong stated, "For those curious about the outcome, once the warrant is issued, the suspect will soon be identified. Even if the person is in Germany, I will go there myself to submit the complaint. There will be absolutely no leniency for malicious commenters."
In conclusion, he added, "I would like to thank all the fans who have trusted and waited for me until the end, as well as the cast and crew of 'I Am Solo,' 'Brave Detectives,' 'Handsome Guys,' and everyone else who has supported me and stood by me."
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