Actor Lee Yi-kyung was set to join KBS2’s entertainment show The Return of Superman (hereafter referred to as Superman), but unexpectedly quit ahead of the broadcast. Filling in his spot is Kim Jong-min, a member of the group Koyote.
On the 11th, the production team of KBS2 Superman announced, “Lee Yi-kyung has exited as MC, and Kim Jong-min has been confirmed as the new host. Kim Jong-min’s first recording is scheduled for the 19th, with the broadcast set to air on the 26th.” The new MC Kim Jong-min is expected to make his debut with YouTuber Lalal in a special episode celebrating the show’s 12th anniversary.
Previously, the Superman team had announced in October’s autumn reorganization that Lee Yi-kyung and Lalal would be the new hosts. Lee Yi-kyung was particularly noted for being the first unmarried male MC in the program’s history, but his sudden departure just days before the broadcast has raised questions.
Lee Yi-kyung also recently exited MBC’s variety show Hangout with Yoo? after three years of fixed appearances. His agency explained, “Scheduling adjustments due to overseas shooting plans are difficult,” but some speculate that the recent controversy surrounding his personal life may have played a role in his departure.
The controversy began on the 20th of last month when an individual claiming to be A from Germany posted graphic conversations and photos on blogs and X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I will reveal Lee Yi-kyung’s true nature.” In response, his agency Sangyoung ENT stated, “This is completely false,” and announced legal action against this individual.
Afterward, A claimed, “It was a synthetic image created using AI. I didn’t expect this to escalate so much.” However, confusion followed due to the repeated retractions of his statements. Sangyoung ENT reiterated a firm stance, stating, “We are pursuing defamation charges against the spreaders of false information, and there is no discussion of any settlement or compensation.”
Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung has been cast in the Vietnamese film I Am Here and the Japanese TBS drama Dream Stage, with overseas filming on the horizon. Additionally, he will continue to appear in some variety shows such as ENA’s I Am Solo and E Channel’s Brave Cops without any changes.