The recent revelation by Lee Yi-kyung that he was pressured to leave MBC’s Hangout With Yoo has cast new attention on moments from past broadcasts when Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, and Ju Woo-jae expressed heartfelt support for him. Viewers are now questioning: did the cast really not know about the production’s decision?
On 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 pressures of the show’s ratings. Ju Woo-jae admitted, “The awards ceremony atmosphere was so tough. I felt I wasn’t contributing enough to weekend variety shows, it was tear-inducing.” Haha added, “I felt guilty because Jae-suk hyung had to carry everything,” revealing the comforting words Yoo Jae-suk sent him.
Lee Yi-kyung also shared a touching message from Yoo Jae-suk, sent right after the live broadcast before a late-night flight: “Yi-kyung, you worked hard. Just do your best.” At the time, the three appeared deeply supportive of each other.
One month later, on the November 8 broadcast, Yoo Jae-suk explained Lee Yi-kyung’s departure as due to busy drama and film schedules. Ju Woo-jae confirmed, “He had a lot of schedules for months,” and Haha added, “We wanted to see him off properly, but timing didn’t work out.” The cast still 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 his exit from Hangout With Yoo was not about scheduling but rather a recommendation from the production to leave. He said, “Although it was proven false in one day, I was pressured to exit the variety show. We had no choice but to leave voluntarily.”
He also mentioned similar issues with The Return of Superman, stating that he learned about his replacement through news articles rather than official notification.
Following the revelation, netizens questioned whether the cast members were aware:
- Did they really not know about the exit pressure?
- Yoo Jae-suk was so caring, could he have not noticed?
- They must have been surprised; the production probably handled it quietly.
Some defended the cast, suggesting they could not have known all decisions made by the production team.
The discrepancy between the cast’s on-air explanations and Lee Yi-kyung’s statement has left viewers both puzzled and saddened. Additional revelations from Lee Yi-kyung and official statements from the production may clarify the situation further.
Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung has filed a lawsuit against those spreading personal rumors under the Information and Communications Network Act, warning that he will show no leniency.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스