Lee Yi-Kyung's agency denies viral lewd chat, claims woman tried to extort him before

SHAH ALAM - South Korean actor and comedian Lee Yi-kyung has found himself entangled in controversy after a woman alleged that they exchanged sexually suggestive messages online, a claim his agency has firmly denied.

The firm said the same woman had previously fabricated similar stories while attempting to extort money.

Screenshots allegedly showing lewd conversations between the Marry My Husband (2024) star and a non-celebrity woman began circulating across social media and online communities on Monday (Oct 20).

The purported messages, shared through KakaoTalk and Instagram, appeared to show the 36-year-old actor commenting on the woman’s body and asking for intimate photos.

However, Lee’s agency, Sangyoung Entertainment, released an immediate statement refuting the allegations and announced plans to pursue legal action.

“We are preparing legal action for damages caused by the spread of false information and malicious rumours in connection with the recent issue being posted and distributed on online communities and social media,” it said.

The agency also warned against sharing defamatory content, adding that both the original poster and those redistributing the material could face consequences.

“We will take all necessary measures depending on the gravity of the situation and the damages inflicted.

“Uploading and reposting such content may also lead to legal action. We will continue to protect our artistes through constant monitoring and tips from fans,” the agency added.

Blogger claims messages were real

The woman, who identified herself as a German citizen who learned Korean for eight years, posted screenshots on her blog showing what she claimed to be conversations with Lee’s verified Instagram account.

In a video she uploaded, the blogger insisted the chats were genuine, countering the agency’s statement labelling her claims as “lies.”

She also shared screenshots allegedly showing Lee complimenting her appearance and Korean skills, with messages that read: “I like it when you are honest. Send me a pic.”

Financial troubles and a previous apology

Sangyoung Entertainment revealed that the same woman had contacted the company months earlier with similar claims, demanding money. She later retracted her statements and apologised for spreading false information.

In her latest post, the woman admitted she had indeed asked the actor for financial help in the past.

“Last year, I was in severe financial need and asked if (Lee) could send 500,000 won.

“I genuinely intended to repay it and I never received money from him. I contacted him with a sense of guilt,” she wrote.

She continued, insisting that her intentions were not malicious:

“The post I made wasn’t about demanding money but to prevent other women from being victimised,” she commented.

The woman also admitted to sending a selfie, claiming that Lee had asked to see her without a flower emoji covering her chest.

“I sent a selfie because he was curious about my appearance. I initially covered my chest with a flower emoji, but after he asked to see it, I sent the photo as it is,” she wrote.

Public reaction and ongoing investigation

Following the revelations, public sentiment online has been divided. While some called for proof from the agency to clear Lee’s name, others criticised the woman’s credibility after her previous admission of false claims.

Comments on social platforms included: “If she already apologised before, why post again?” and “This just looks like she’s trying to stir attention from abroad.”

With both parties standing firm, attention now turns to whether Sangyoung Entertainment’s promised legal measures will bring a resolution and whether the repeated accusations against Lee will finally be laid to rest.