K-drama and K-pop fans may breathe a little easier today as actor Lee Yi Kyung (36) has been formally cleared of circulating false allegations. The twist? The person who made the claims has reportedly pulled the same hoax attempt earlier. It’s a reminder of how quickly an actor’s reputation can be clouded—and how resilient reputation damage can be in the digital age.
What Happened to Lee Yi Kyung?
On October 20, 2025 (KST), a user who identified themselves as “A” posted a statement on an online community site, claiming they had once asked Lee Yi Kyung for money due to a tight financial situation. They wrote that they never received the money, and that a post they had deleted earlier was not about money but about warning other women that the actor “used harsh words.”
According to the account, the original blog post titled “Exposing the real Lee Yi Kyung” included screenshots of alleged explicit messages between the user and the actor. Although that post has been removed, parts of it circulated widely online, stirring considerable social-media attention.
In response, Lee’s agency Sangyeong ENT issued a statement declaring all the online claims “entirely false” and announced legal action — both civil and criminal — for defamation and spreading false information.
A Repeat Accuser
The agency further disclosed that this was not the first time the same individual had made such a claim. According to Sangyeong ENT, the accuser had approached the agency months ago with a fabricated story and demanded money, later admitting the claim was false and even sending an apology email.
This fact significantly undermines the accuser’s credibility and shifts the narrative away from “an actor under investigation” toward “an actor wrongfully targeted by repeated false claims.” Some netizens have responded in kind, questioning why the same person has resurfaced and drawing attention to the overseas setting of the accuser. Comments include:
“Didn’t this person already apologize once? Why repeat it?”
“Is this someone overseas trying to stir Korean public opinion?”
Agency’s Position and Next Steps
Sangyeong ENT has made it clear: they view the recent claim and the earlier incident by the same person as deliberate acts of defamation. They announced they are preparing both civil lawsuits and criminal complaints, likely including charges of spreading false information and defamation.
From a practical standpoint, Lee Yi Kyung and his team will likely need to manage the fallout. This includes reinforcing his public image with legitimate work and appearances • monitoring online discourse and correcting misinformation • being prepared for potential legal outcomes and the effect of media coverage.
It will also be interesting to watch whether the agency provides additional evidence or statements to clarify the matter further. Some online commentators have asked for greater transparency if the claims are truly false.
How Did the Public React?
The mood among fans and watchers of the K-drama scene seems mixed. A chunk of the online community has expressed relief that the actor is not under ongoing investigation. Others remain cautious, noting that the mere fact of an allegation can stir enough chatter to damage a reputation. The repetitive nature of the claim has leaned sentiment toward skepticism of the accuser.
For fans, this serves as a reminder of their protective nature towards their favorite actors. In many cases, the pushback comes not just from agencies. It’s also from fandom communities that rally to verify truth, support the talent, and request accountability from the accuser or the platform.
That said, the incident also raises wider questions: How often do false claims go unchallenged? How does an actor truly “clear” his name once rumors spread? Even a victorious legal outcome may not achieve the same speed as a viral post.
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