During the 10th Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025, actor Lee Yi Kyung presented new grounds for debate with questions regarding how previous acting experiences influenced what is seen in today's South Korean movies which will be featured. His acceptance speech, in which he failed to address fellow entertainer Yoo Jae Suk, ignited speculation online despite his agency's assurances.

Per Koreaboo, during an event at the National Stadium in Kaohsiung on Dec. 6, Lee Yi Kyung took home the prize for "AAA Best Choice." During his time on stage, he expressed thanks to his agency and his staff, saying, "Thank you to everyone who gave me a voice and this award at the end of 2025."

Addressing recent rumors about his personal life, Lee said, "It might be out of place for this festive atmosphere, but lately, I feel like I've been hit by hail that wasn't even in the weather forecast." He continued, "Currently, the suspect is sending apologies and requests for leniency via company email. I intend to see this through to the end."

In his post, he even alluded indirectly to his leaving the variety show Hangout with Yoo: "SNL Korea, are you watching? I now have Thursdays off." Although he said, "Haha hyung, Woo Jae hyung, I miss you," he conspicuously left out Yoo Jae Suk's name, which led to a lot of speculation online.

Responding to the controversy, Lee Yi Kyung's agency told OSEN on Dec. 7, "Please take his acceptance speech at face value," and added, "There was absolutely no intention to target or exclude Yoo Jae Suk."

Leaving out Yoo Jae Suk's name in this situation seems intentional," while others said, "I don't get why he excluded him, especially since it wasn't necessary to mention names," and "It seems like a statement that knowingly invited controversy."

On the other hand, there were Lee's supporters who defended his speech. One wrote, "He must have felt very wronged to say something like that," while another added, "He doesn't have to mention everyone," and "It's right to believe the agency when they say there was no intention to jab."

Lee Yi Kyung's controversy was rooted in personal life rumors made by a foreign netizen; the accuser afterward confessed to AI manipulation and recanted.

The defamation lawsuit that has been brought against Lee has created a very divisive opinion among people; many see it as "a controversy of his own making" and the other part see it more as "a result of unfair treatment".

As the media continues to cover this story, there are more and more people using the internet to voice their opinions regarding this matter.