A netizen who repeatedly posted claims about actor Lee Yi-kyung’s private life has issued an apology, admitting the allegations were fabricated with AI images and started “as a joke.”
The poster, known online as A, who previously identified herself as a German woman, shared a statement on X (formerly Twitter) early Wednesday.
“Hello, Korean friends. Some of you may know I’ve recently uploaded several photos and posts about actor Lee Yi-kyung,” she wrote. “It began as a joke, and I never imagined it would draw so much attention. But as I kept writing and using AI-generated pictures, I started to believe what I was making up.”
She continued,
“I sincerely apologize for spreading false rumors about Lee Yi-kyung. It all began from admiration as a fan, but I became too emotionally invested. What started for fun went too far, and now I feel guilty. If there’s any responsibility I must take, I will. Please understand my awkward Korean since I’m German.”
What Happened Earlier
On October 19, A had posted a blog entry claiming she exchanged explicit messages with the actor, attaching supposed screenshots and even a short video showing a fake chat window on Lee Yi-kyung’s verified Instagram profile.
After deleting the blog post, she moved to X, asserting, “I’m not doing this for money. I’m collecting evidence,” further fueling speculation online.
Agency Announces Legal Action
In response, Lee Yi-kyung’s agency Sangyoung ENT announced it is preparing legal measures.
“We are taking legal action regarding the spread of false information and malicious rumors across online communities and social media,” the company stated. “Given the severity of the case, we’re calculating both direct and indirect damages and will pursue all necessary steps.”
A representative also told Chosun.com on October 20,
“Around five months ago, the same individual emailed the company threatening us and demanding money. We had warned of legal action back then, and she apologized for fabricating the story. However, she recently reposted similar claims again.”
Background
Actor Lee Yi-kyung, known for his roles in Welcome to Waikiki and Marry My Husband, has remained silent on social media since the controversy. His management has urged fans and media to refrain from sharing unverified content.
Editor’s Insight
An apology written in “awkward Korean” doesn’t undo the damage of a five-month harassment campaign. Lee Yi-kyung’s silence is his strongest weapon, allowing the legal system to address what is clearly a psychiatric and criminal issue rather than a “fan’s mistake.” In 2026, “I thought it was a joke” is no longer a valid defense against the digital destruction of a human being’s life.