As actor Lee Yi-kyung sits at the center of controversy over his private life and his exit from MBC's Hangout with Yoo, a remark by veteran host Yoo Jae-suk on YouTube is drawing attention.
In a video titled "[Special Preview Cam] Checking In" posted on Dec. 6 on the YouTube channel 'DdeunDdeun,' guest Lee Dong-hwi invites Yoo Jae-suk and Ji Seok-jin to his home. In the clip, Ji, noticing Lee's pet cat, asks, "If you give your cat an allowance, does it take it?" Yoo jokes back, "Then Dong-hwi goes, 'Yes, thank you—can I get 50,000 won more?' and pockets it."
Yoo then adds a pointed observation about relationships: "Animals give back as much love as you give them, but people don't always do that. That's why there's a saying that someone can be 'less than an animal.'" The comment quickly became a talking point.
Some online users connected the timing to Lee Yi-kyung's controversy, fanning speculation with reactions like, "Of all times, right after the Lee Yi-kyung mess..."
Meanwhile, Lee recently left MBC's Hangout with Yoo. The production team said Lee had wrestled with his participation due to overseas schedules and formally expressed his intention to step away, so both sides agreed to part ways. Lee, however, wrote on Instagram that he had been urged to leave rather than stepping down voluntarily, which sparked further debate. Addressing rumors about his personal life, Lee said, "Lately it felt like I was getting pelted by a hailstorm in the forecast. The perpetrator is emailing apologies and pleas for leniency. I will track them down, no matter what," putting the issue back in the spotlight.