Lee Yi Kyung exits ‘Hangout with Yoo’ after three years due to scheduling conflicts

Lee Yi Kyung exits ‘Hangout with Yoo’ after three years due to scheduling conflicts

Actor Lee Yi Kyung is bidding farewell to MBC’s long-running variety show Hangout with Yoo after being part of the cast for three years. His agency, Sangyoung ENT, confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that the decision was made due to scheduling conflicts.

According to reports, Lee recently informed the production team about his plan to step down as overlapping work commitments made it difficult for him to continue. The team respected his decision and agreed to his departure. He will not join the upcoming filming scheduled for November 6, which will mark his final appearance on the show.

The announcement follows weeks of controversy surrounding false online rumors about Lee’s personal life. Earlier, screenshots claiming to show explicit conversations between Lee and a woman circulated online, leading to speculation. Sangyoung ENT quickly issued a statement denying the allegations, calling them entirely fabricated. The individual responsible for spreading the claims later admitted the messages were fake and said they had started the post as a joke.

The agency filed a formal complaint with Gangnam Police Station in Seoul against those who created and spread the false material. In a follow-up statement, Sangyoung ENT stressed that there would be no settlements or negotiations, adding that they would pursue legal action to the fullest extent.

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Lee joined Hangout with Yoo in 2021 and became one of the show’s most loved cast members for his humor, quick wit, and easy chemistry with host Yoo Jae Suk and the other regulars. Over three years, he became known for his self-deprecating humor and comic timing that added energy to the ensemble.

As he steps away from the show, Lee is expected to focus on his acting projects. He has steadily built a diverse portfolio across dramas, films, and entertainment programs, earning praise for his range and comedic charm. His departure leaves a gap in one of Korea’s most popular weekend variety shows, but fans are hopeful that he will return to variety television in the future after balancing his new commitments.