Lee YiKyung Departs ‘How Do You Play?’ After Two Years

Yoo JaeSuk Confirms Lee YiKyung’s Departure From Variety Show

On the November 8, 2025 broadcast of the MBC Korean variety show “How Do You Play?”, it was officially announced that actor Lee YiKyung has departed from the cast. The news of Lee YiKyung’s departure was delivered by fellow entertainer and show host Yoo JaeSuk, who explained the actor’s decision to leave after more than two years as a fixed member. This confirmation puts an end to recent speculation surrounding the actor’s future on the popular program.

According to Yoo JaeSuk, the decision was reached after extensive discussions between Lee YiKyung and the production team. The primary reason cited for his exit is insurmountable scheduling conflicts with his upcoming drama and film projects. Lee YiKyung, who joined “How Do You Play?” in September 2022, had become a beloved member of the cast, known for his comedic timing and chemistry with other members like Haha and Joo WooJae. While the actor had recently been entangled in malicious rumors, the show emphasized that his departure was solely due to his busy acting schedule.

An Apology for the Abrupt Exit

During the announcement, Yoo JaeSuk expressed regret that Lee YiKyung was unable to provide a final farewell to the viewers on-air. He explained that an unexpected program cancellation and subsequent rescheduling made it impossible to coordinate a final appearance. “Lee YiKyung was very sorry that he couldn’t say a final goodbye to the viewers,” Yoo JaeSuk conveyed, extending an apology on behalf of the actor and the show. The team wished him the best in his future endeavors as an actor, a field where he has seen significant success in projects like the drama “Children Of Nobody”.

‘How Do You Play?’ Moves Forward with New Project

Despite the bittersweet news of Lee YiKyung’s departure, “How Do You Play?” is already looking toward the future. The same episode marked the launch of a brand-new project, signaling a fresh chapter for the Korean variety show. The new segment is titled “Insamo,” which translates to “Gathering of Unpopular People,” and will be led by cast member Haha.

What is the ‘Insamo’ Project?

The new project aims to bring a different dynamic to the show following the recent cast change. Led by Haha, “Insamo” will likely explore themes of underrated or “unpopular” concepts, a format that allows for creative freedom and new comedic situations. The introduction of this segment immediately after announcing the cast change shows the production’s intent to keep the program’s momentum going and continue providing fresh content for its dedicated audience. Viewers are curious to see how the remaining members, including Yoo JaeSuk, Haha, and Joo WooJae, will adapt to the new format and fill the void left by Lee YiKyung’s memorable presence.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.