MBC’s variety show “Hangout With Yoo” released an official statement on Saturday apologizing to actor Lee Yi Kyung following widespread public backlash over a viral noodle segment that damaged his reputation.
The apology came after the actor revealed on Friday that he had been pressured to perform the controversial scene and faced backlash from the public when it aired.
While filming in Hong Kong and Japan, Lee initially spontaneously performed the noodle eating segment as entertainment for viewers, and the production staff initially viewed the response positively. However, the production team later asked him to perform the same act again, which the actor described as exceeding reasonable creative limits Tenasia. When the segment aired, Korean audiences responded negatively, sparking public outrage over what viewers perceived as inappropriate behavior.
Lee revealed that his comment in clarifying that the act was comical, “It’s just for fun as part of the show”, was edited out from the final broadcast, leaving the audience with no context for the scene. The production team acknowledged this editing decision in their apology, stating that they attempted to convey comedic intent through alternate phrases such as “one more time, for fun” and on-screen captions, but acknowledged that these efforts were insufficient.
The production team admitted that they had failed to protect the cast member, acknowledging that they had accommodated Lee’s request to perform the scene as an “excess” driven by the desire for added entertainment value. allKpop reported. The apology statement said, “We felt it was respectful to convey the label’s official position regarding the reason for Lee Yi Kyung’s departure to the program’s cast members, which is why the cast was asked to announce it on the show.” The staff is committed to reviewing the entire production process to prevent similar distortions of cast members’ performances in the future
Beyond the noodle eating controversy, Lee left “Hangout With Yoo” after the production team recommended his exit following rumors about his personal life. Lee’s agency announced his departure, citing scheduling conflicts, though the actor later revealed that the production team had initiated the split. MBC expressed the belief that continuing his participation would be difficult given the show’s purpose of providing entertainment during a time when several media outlets were publishing allegations about his private life.
The scandal emerged following accusations from a woman who, claiming to be a German citizen, reported inappropriate behavior on the part of the actor, according to the prosecution. Times of India. Lee’s agency filed a defamation complaint, and the accuser later rescinded her statement multiple times, initially claiming the evidence was generated by artificial intelligence before denying that claim as well.
