Actor Lee Yi-Kyung faces intense scrutiny following a major rumor backlash. False claims about his personal life went viral online, causing reputational damage despite later retractions.
A admitted fabricating the allegations. Posting on a personal account, A said the rumors were “just a joke” and claimed they did not anticipate the widespread attention.
A explained that AI-generated images fueled the false narrative and admitted to over-identifying with the actor. They apologized for spreading malicious content and for emotional overreach, adding, “What began as fun became too real, and I now feel guilty.” A also noted language barriers as a challenge, stating, “Please understand if my Korean is awkward — I’m German.”
Despite the apology, observers warn that the consequences of rumor backlash are often long-lasting. False claims, even when corrected, can leave enduring impressions on public perception. Experts note that celebrity reputations rarely recover fully from viral misinformation, highlighting the risks of online speculation and AI-generated content.
Lee Yi-Kyung’s management, Sangyoung ENT, confirmed it is pursuing legal action. The agency is calculating direct and indirect damages caused by the false posts circulating across social media and online communities. All potential legal measures will be pursued to protect the actor’s image.
Additionally, the agency revealed that A had previously sent blackmail-like messages demanding money over five months. Although A initially apologized after legal warnings, they later posted new content asserting their claims were genuine and promising “additional evidence.”
The situation escalated until A deleted all posts and issued a full confession, admitting everything was fabricated. Despite this, the incident has sparked broader discussions about the consequences of online rumor backlash. Legal experts and entertainment industry observers emphasize stricter enforcement and public awareness as necessary to prevent similar incidents.
Lee Yi-Kyung’s case underscores the growing impact of digital misinformation and AI-manipulated media on celebrity reputations worldwide. The incident also serves as a cautionary example for fans and the public on the dangers of sharing unverified content.
