On November 22 KST, the production staff of MBC's 'Hangout With Yoo' released an official statement to apologize to actor Lee Yi Kyung.
A day earlier, Lee Yi Kyung delivered a personal statement via SNS to address the various issues and controversies surrounding his private life and subsequent departure from 'Hangout With Yoo'. In the statement, he revealed that he had been forced into performing the viral scene from the show which had tarnished his image, the "noodle-slurping" scene, He also claimed that he only found out about the show "replacing" him through news articles, expressing his frustration.
Now, in an official statement to the press on this day, the production staff of 'Hangout With Yoo' began, "We would like to truthfully address each of the issues raised by Lee Yi Kyung yesterday (November 21)."
The statement continued, "During a situation when multiple media outlets were publishing rumors surrounding Lee Yi Kyung's private life, it was inevitably agreed by the production staff that it would be difficult for him to continue appearing on a program meant to deliver laughter to its viewers on a weekly basis. As Lee Yi Kyung stated, it's true that the production staff suggested his departure from the show. We also let Lee Yi Kyung's agency know that it was acceptable to publicize this fact. Later on, Lee Yi Kyung's agency contacted us with the decision to announce the departure 'due to scheduling conflicts'."
According to the production staff, "We felt that it was only respectful to relay the label's official position regarding the reason for Lee Yi Kyung's departure to the program's cast members, which was why the cast was instructed to announce as much on the show. The cast members only followed our instructions. Please refrain from excessive criticism and/or speculations."
Next, regarding the controversial "noodle slurping" scene, the MBC staff said, "First and foremost, the production staff admits that we were negligent in our failure to protect its cast member. Lee Yi Kyung showcased his noodle slurping technique in Hong Kong and Japan in the hopes of bringing viewers laughter, and the production staff found that the viewers' reactions were positive."
The statement added on, "We then requested that he perform the same technique again, and this was out of our greed. As Lee Yi Kyung revealed, his comment, 'I'm only doing this to be funny!' was edited out. Therefore, because of poor decision, we hurt Lee Yi Kyung and caused our viewers discomfort."
Finally, the production staff of 'Hangout With Yoo' relayed, "We admit to our faults and sincerely apologize to both Lee Yi Kyung and to the viewers for this incident. Once again, we apologize."
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