Actor Lee Yi Kyung is leaving MBC's popular variety program "How Do You Play?" after three years of being one of its fixed cast members.

On November 4, a report from My Daily said Lee Yi Kyung will no longer be seen in the show. The program's production team later confirmed his exit.

In a statement, the production team shared the explanation for the actor's decision.

"Hello. This is the How Do You Play? production team," the statement began. "This is a notice regarding Lee Yi Kyung's decision to leave the program. Lee Yi Kyung has had many concerns over his participation in the program due to his scheduled activities including those overseas, and he recently expressed his intention to step down."

Soompi noted that the show's production team continued with words of appreciation for the actor's work over the years.

"The production team respects Lee Yi Kyung's opinion, and after discussion, we have decided to show support for each other's separate paths. We thank Lee Yi Kyung for the passion he has shown even through his busy schedule. The production team will do our best to continuously showcase good content. Thank you," they concluded.

His agency, Sangyoung ENT, also released a statement to further clarify his departure.

"How Do You Play? filmed every Thursday, and it has become difficult to adjust his schedule. From September, he has been partaking in filming [for the show] alongside filming for his movie A Sense of Generation (literal title), and he will be filming for another movie soon," the agency said, per Naver.

Lee Yi Kyung appeared on "How Do You Play?" this September 2022 and captivated the audience with his comedy chemistry with different cast members. His three years experience included some of the best moments on the show.

He continued to appear on popular programs like "I Am Solo" and "Brave Detectives" while taking his career to film with several projects lined up ahead. While both the actor and the production team have departed on good terms, fans are grateful for the humor and dedication of Lee Yi Kyung throughout his time on the show.