Lee Yi-kyung Leaves Out Yoo Jae-suk in Acceptance Speech... Yoo Jae-suk’s 'Worse Than an Animal' Remark Sparks Questions

[Financial News] Lee Yi-kyung, who recently revealed he was advised to leave 'Hangout with Yoo,' drew attention when he omitted Yoo Jae-suk from his acceptance speech at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) held in Taiwan on the 6th. Subsequently, Yoo Jae-suk made a thought-provoking comment about human relationships, further fueling controversy.
On the 7th, a short teaser video was uploaded to Yoo Jae-suk’s YouTube channel 'DdeunDdeun.' The video showed guest Lee Dong-hwi inviting Yoo Jae-suk and Jee Seok-jin to his home.
Yoo Jae-suk, speaking to Lee Dong-hwi, who has a pet cat, remarked, 'Animals reciprocate the love you give them, but people don’t always do the same. That’s why there’s a saying, 'worse than an animal.'' Hearing this, Jee Seok-jin acted surprised and asked, 'Why are you saying that to me?'
Yoo Jae-suk’s remark drew attention as it coincided with the recent controversy over his possible departure from the MBC variety show 'Hangout with Yoo.'
The production team of 'Hangout with Yoo' stated regarding Lee Yi-kyung’s departure, 'Lee Yi-kyung expressed his intention to leave due to a busy schedule.' However, Lee Yi-kyung revealed on his SNS, 'I was advised to leave, not voluntarily.'
Following this, the 'Hangout with Yoo' production team partially acknowledged the claim. As rumors of discord between Lee Yi-kyung and the fixed members of 'Hangout with Yoo' (Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Joo Woo-jae) spread, some fans left malicious comments toward Yoo Jae-suk, accusing him of not protecting his junior.
In response, Antenna, the agency, announced, 'We have confirmed numerous acts that go beyond freedom of expression and damage the artist’s character,' and warned of legal action.
At the Asia Artist Awards 2025 held the previous day at National Stadium (Kaohsiung), Lee Yi-kyung, who won the Best Choice Award, indirectly referenced his departure from MBC’s 'Hangout with Yoo' during his acceptance speech by saying, 'Are you watching SNL Korea? I have Thursdays off now.' He then said, 'Haha, (Joo) Woo-jae, I miss you,' deliberately leaving out Yoo Jae-suk.
Some speculated that Lee Yi-kyung intentionally omitted Yoo Jae-suk. Given that Yoo Jae-suk is central to 'Hangout with Yoo,' it seemed unlikely he was forgotten by mistake.
However, Lee Yi-kyung’s agency denied the allegations of targeting Yoo Jae-suk. On the 7th, the agency stated, 'The rumors circulating that he was targeting Yoo Jae-suk or any specific individual are not true. There is no reason for that,' and asked, 'Please accept the acceptance speech as it is.'
moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter