Lee Yi-kyung’s recent revelation that he was forced to leave MBC Hangout with Yoo brought new attention to moments from past broadcasts where Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, and Ju Woo-jae expressed heartfelt support for him. Viewers are now wondering: did the cast really not know about the production’s decision?
In the October 8 Chuseok special “Hangout with Yoo 2“, Haha, Ju Woo-jae and Lee Yi-kyung shared their struggles during a trip to Jinan, candidly discussing the show’s ratings pressure. Ju Woo-jae admitted, “The atmosphere at the awards ceremony was really tough. I felt like I wasn’t contributing enough to the weekend variety shows, it was emotional.” Haha he added, “I felt guilty because Jae-suk hyung had to carry everything with him,” revealing the comforting words Yoo Jae-suk sent to him.
Lee Yi-kyung also shared a touching message from Yoo Jae-suk, sent immediately after the live broadcast before a red-eye flight: “Yi-kyung, you worked hard. Just do your best.” At the time, the three seemed deeply supportive of each other.
A month later, on the November 8 broadcast, Yoo Jae-suk explained that Lee Yi-kyung’s departure was due to a busy schedule with dramas and movies. Ju Woo-jae confirmed, “He had many commitments for months” and haha he added, “We wanted to say goodbye properly, but the timing didn’t work out.” The cast nevertheless expressed affection, saying: “Good job, Yi-kyung.”
However, on November 21, Lee Yi-kyung released a statement along with a lawsuit against a rumor spreader, revealing that her exit from Hangout With Yoo was not a matter of scheduling but rather a recommendation from production to leave. He said, “Even though it turned out to be false within a day, I was forced to leave the variety show. We had no choice but to leave voluntarily.”
He also mentioned similar issues with The Return of Supermanstating that he learned of his replacement through news articles rather than official notifications.
Following the revelation, netizens wondered if the cast members were aware:
- Did they really not know about the outlet pressure?
- Yoo Jae-suk was so thoughtful, could he not have noticed?
- They must have been surprised; production probably handled it quietly.
Some defended the cast, suggesting they couldn’t have known all the decisions made by the production team.
The discrepancy between the cast’s explanations on the air and Lee Yi-kyung’s statement left viewers perplexed and saddened. Further revelations from Lee Yi-kyung and official statements from the production could further clarify the situation.
Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung has filed a lawsuit against those spreading personal rumors under the Information and Communications Network Act, warning that he will not show any leniency.
Sources: Nate News
