Lee Yi-kyung's Acceptance Speech Sparks Controversy for Omitting Yoo Jae-seok
Yoo Jae-seok's Remark, "Worse Than a Beast," Draws Attention
Actor Lee Yi-kyung has denied allegations that he targeted broadcaster Yoo Jae-seok with a pointed acceptance speech, while Yoo Jae-seok has drawn attention with a meaningful remark about human relationships.
Yoo Jae-seok: "Animals repay kindness, but people do not"
On December 7, a short teaser video was uploaded to Yoo Jae-seok's YouTube channel "DdeunDdeun." The video showed guest Lee Dong-hwi inviting Yoo Jae-seok and Ji Seok-jin to his home. Yoo Jae-seok, speaking to Lee Dong-hwi who has a pet cat, said, "Animals repay the love you give them, but people do not. That's why there is a saying, 'Worse than a beast.'"
Although this comment was made in the natural context of discussing pets, it has recently attracted significant attention online as it coincides with the ongoing dispute between the production team of MBC's entertainment program "Hangout with Yoo?"-in which Yoo Jae-seok appears-and Lee Yi-kyung regarding his departure from the show.
Previously, the "Hangout with Yoo?" team stated regarding Lee Yi-kyung's departure, "Lee Yi-kyung expressed his intention to leave due to a busy schedule." However, Lee Yi-kyung later revealed on his social media that "it was not a voluntary departure; I was encouraged to leave." As a result, some fans posted malicious comments toward Yoo Jae-seok, criticizing him for "not standing up for his junior."
Lee Yi-kyung's side: "The targeting allegation is not true; there is no reason to do so"
The controversy resurfaced on December 6. At the "10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025" held at National Stadium in Kaohsiung on December 6, Lee Yi-kyung received the Best Choice Award and, upon taking the stage, mentioned "Hangout with Yoo?" members, saying, "I miss Haha and Joo Woo-jae." However, he did not mention Yoo Jae-seok, the main MC, leading to speculation that he was indirectly targeting him.
In response, Lee Yi-kyung's agency Sangyoung ENT stated on December 7, "The rumor that he targeted specific individuals such as Yoo Jae-seok is not true. There is no reason for him to do so," adding, "We hope his acceptance speech will be taken at face value."
Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung has recently found himself at the center of controversy after a woman identified as "A," who claimed to be German, posted revealing comments and photos about his private life. "A" later apologized, saying she had used AI, but then abruptly reversed her statement, claiming, "The AI claim was a lie," and that her initial allegations were true, further fueling confusion. The agency strongly denied the allegations as "false information" and filed a lawsuit against "A" for defamation and spreading false information. Due to this incident, Lee Yi-kyung has left "Hangout with Yoo?" after three years on the show.
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