Lee Yi-kyung’s reputation suffers over false rumors later called ‘a joke’
Lee Yi-kyung / Xportsnews
The person who spread rumors about Korean actor Lee Yi-kyung’s private life has admitted that the posts were fake — claiming they were “just a joke” — but the damage to the actor’s image remains.
On Wednesday, the individual, identified as A, posted two long apology messages on a personal account, confessing that the viral allegations had no basis.
“Hello, everyone in Korea. As some of you may know, I recently uploaded several photos and posts about actor Lee Yi-kyung,” A wrote. “It all started as a joke, and I didn’t realize the posts would gain that much attention. As I kept writing and using AI-generated images, I began to believe it myself. I sincerely apologize for spreading malicious rumors about him.”
A added, “It started from admiration as a fan but turned into emotional over-identification. What began as fun became too real, and I now feel guilty. If there’s anything I need to take responsibility for, I will. Please understand if my Korean is awkward — I’m German.”
Despite A’s apology, observers note that the incident is a reminder that online “just kidding” claims rarely erase the consequences. Even if falsehoods are later withdrawn, the public often remembers the image created by the initial rumor. Corrective statements or apologies rarely restore a celebrity’s reputation once it has been tarnished.
Lee’s agency, Sangyoung ENT, announced on Monday that it is preparing legal action against the spreading of false information and malicious rumors online. “We are calculating the direct and indirect damage caused by false posts circulating on online communities and social media,” the agency said, adding that all possible legal measures will be taken.
The agency also revealed that A had been sending blackmail-like emails demanding money for about five months. Although A previously apologized when the company warned of legal action, they later reversed course — posting new videos and insisting their claims were true, even promising to release “additional evidence.”
A day later, A deleted the posts and issued a full apology, admitting that everything had been fabricated “as a joke.”
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.