MBC variety show ‘How Do You Play?’
It was reported that Lee Yi-kyung suspected Yoo Jae-suk as being behind the notice of his exit from ‘How Do You Play’.
On the 16th, the YouTube channel ‘Entertainment President Lee Jin-ho’ posted a video titled ‘Why is Yoo Jae-suk getting criticized.. the reason for the backlash after the German woman’s allegations against Lee Yi-kyung’.
That day, Lee Jin-ho mentioned Lee Yi-kyung’s recent acceptance speech at the ‘10th Asia Artist Awards 2025’ and reviewed the process of his departure from ‘How Do You Play’.
He said, “On Monday, she (the tipster) first informed us, and around Tuesday she said it was AI (artificial intelligence). On Thursday, there was a ‘How Do You Play?’ shoot. During the recording, the production suddenly said the scheduled taping was postponed and notified us to have a meeting the following Monday,” and explained that, feeling wronged, Lee Yi-kyung’s agency conveyed its position that it had filed a complaint against the production and submitted related materials.
However, the production did not reverse its decision even with the agency’s materials. Lee Jin-ho said, “Even during the noodle-slurping controversy, he took the fall alone without any explanation and bore all the criticism himself. So when the production he trusted so much made him step down, Lee Yi-kyung was angry.”
The production explained to Lee Yi-kyung’s side, “These matters were not decided by us; they were decisions from higher up.” In response, Lee Yi-kyung’s side repeatedly asked, “Who are the higher-ups? Is it the intention of Yoo Jae-suk?” The production ultimately did not answer, and Lee Jin-ho also said, “We cannot verify whether Yoo Jae-suk was involved or not.”
Earlier, a German woman, A, alleged last October that Lee Yi-kyung demanded body photos from her and used profanity, sexual harassment, and obscene talk. A later apologized, saying the initial expos had been fabricated by AI, then reversed her stance.
Afterward, on the 6th at Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan during the ‘10th Asia Artist Awards 2025’, Lee Yi-kyung won the AAA Best Choice category and obliquely referred to leaving MBC’s ‘How Do You Play?’ by saying, “Are you watching, ‘SNL Korea’? I now take Thursdays off.” He then said, “Haha, Woo-jae, I miss you. Thank you,” but by not mentioning Yoo Jae-suk, who had been the program’s central pillar, a ‘snub’ controversy arose.
Lee Jin-ho YouTube screen capture
Lee Jin-ho YouTube screen capture
