Lee YiKyung Confirms Departure From ‘How Do You Play?’

Actor Lee YiKyung is departing from the popular MBC Korean variety show, “How Do You Play?”. The official announcement of the Lee YiKyung departure was made on November 4, 2025, confirming his exit after more than two years as a beloved cast member. Lee YiKyung first joined the program in September 2022, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his comedic timing and chemistry with fellow cast members.

The Official Announcement of Lee YiKyung’s Departure

The production team of “How Do You Play?” released a statement confirming the news. They expressed their respect for Lee YiKyung’s decision, which was made after extensive discussions. “After careful consideration and dialogue, we have decided to respect Lee YiKyung’s wishes to step down from the show,” the statement read. The actor has been a key part of the cast, working alongside veteran entertainers like Yoo JaeSuk and Haha, contributing significantly to the show’s success. The departure marks a significant change for the long-running program, which is one of many entertaining Korean variety shows available to a global audience.

Scheduling Conflicts Cited as Reason

According to reports, Lee YiKyung’s decision to leave was prompted by increasing difficulties in balancing his schedule. The actor expressed that his growing commitments, including various overseas activities, made it challenging to continue participating fully in the weekly filming for “How Do You Play?”. His agency explained that the decision was made to allow him to focus on his primary career as an actor while ensuring he did not negatively impact the show’s production. This celebrity news comes as he navigates a busy period in his career.

Firm Legal Action Against Malicious Rumors

In a separate development, Lee YiKyung’s agency has taken a strong stance against the spread of malicious rumors. Recently, an individual identified as a foreigner, Mr. A, created and circulated false information about the actor using AI-synthesized photos. Although the individual later posted an apology and deleted the content, the agency proceeded with legal measures to prevent future occurrences.

Agency Files Defamation Complaint

In response to the damaging rumors, Lee YiKyung’s agency filed a formal complaint with the Seoul Gangnam Police Station. The complaint charges the creator and distributors of the false content with defamation and the spread of false information. The agency stated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against such malicious activities that tarnish their artist’s reputation. This decisive action underscores the serious consequences of creating and sharing fabricated content online.

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