Actor Lee Yi-kyung has revealed that his departure from MBC What Do You Do When You Have Nothing to Do? was not a voluntary decision but rather prompted by the show's production team, which has stirred controversy. In light of this, remarks made by other cast members who also left the show have recently come back into the spotlight.
Lee Yi-kyung has recently found himself at the center of controversy due to the revelation of personal rumors. Although his agency dismissed them as false and indicated legal action might follow, he eventually had to leave What Do You Do When You Have Nothing to Do? The show initially reported that he had 'voluntarily stepped down after scheduling adjustments', but Lee Yi-kyung publicly stated, 'I was encouraged to leave by the production team,' igniting a firestorm.
In response, the production team acknowledged their responsibility through an official apology, admitting that they had failed to adequately protect the cast.
However, with this controversy rising, the previously departed Jung Joon-ha and Shin Bong-sun's comments from their exits are being revisited. Earlier, Shin Bong-sun expressed discomfort regarding the departure process, saying, 'There were definitely unpleasant aspects,' while Mi-joo commented, 'It wasn't a notice of departure, but rather a natural agreement during a conversation with the PD,' although she added, 'I wasn't entirely without disappointment.'
Additionally, Jung Joon-ha hinted that he received a sudden notice of departure while in a car, reigniting a debate about the production team's communication methods.
Meanwhile, following the controversy, the episode of What Do You Do When You Have Nothing to Do? aired on the 22nd featured a segment called 'Gathering of Unpopular People'. During the broadcast, Yoo Jae-suk rallied to defend Joo Woo-jae, prompting Jung Joon-ha to comment, 'Look at him protecting his own,' bringing that remark back into the limelight.