Eugene Lee Yang’s decision to leave The Try Guys after years of success with the group has been a topic of significant discussion, and now he’s reflecting on his time away.
Both Yang and his former group members—Keith Habersberger and Zac Kornfeld—have provided more details about the groups transition since the announcement six months ago, revealing that the departure was a long-anticipated move driven by personal growth and creative pursuits, rather than external controversies within the group.
Yang’s decision to step away from The Try Guys was made official in May 2024, following months of internal conversations and planning. While his exit might have seemed abrupt to fans, it was a decision that had been in the works for much longer. Speaking during an interview with Deadline in October, Yang reflected on the “bittersweet” nature of his departure, emphasizing that it was essential for him to shift focus to his long-standing creative passions.
“I officially sort of migrated away from digital,” Yang shared with What’s Trending at the Out 100, explaining that leaving the group allowed him to finally pursue projects he had long been passionate about. “I’m really excited to be developing both my first feature film as a writer, director, a novel, and a graphic novel,” he added, acknowledging how busy but fulfilling this transition has been. “Blessed, busy and blessed,” he said with a sense of gratitude toward his new endeavors.
The Timing of Yang’s Departure
Despite speculation that Yang’s decision might have been influenced by the scandal surrounding The Try Guys co-founder Ned Fulmer, who was removed from the group in 2022 due to allegations of infidelity, both Habersberger and Kornfeld confirmed that Yang’s departure was not related to the scandal.
In a Try Guys React To Your Assumptions segment on Anthony Padilla’s YouTube channel, Habersberger provided insight into the group’s internal discussions. He revealed that the idea of Yang leaving had been on the table long before the Fulmer scandal broke. “Two years ago, before this all happened, we were trying to look for ways to let Eugene finally work on these projects he hadn’t been able to work on because of his commitment to helping us build the business,” Habersberger explained. “He had movie scripts, TV scripts, and book ideas before we met him, but he didn’t have the power or means to be able to make those things.”
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In fact, Habersberger noted that the timing of Yang’s departure was set long before Fulmer’s controversial exit in 2022. “The end of 2022 was the time we decided Eugene needed to step away and start working on these things,” Habersberger said. “We had made peace with it, but then Fulmer’s scandal happened, and Eugene felt a sense of responsibility to help the group navigate that crisis.”
Support Amid Crisis
After Fulmer’s departure from The Try Guys in September 2022, which followed his admission of having a consensual workplace affair, the group was forced to deal with a major public relations crisis. Fulmer’s removal came after a thorough internal review, with the group confirming on social media that they would not be continuing with him. “We do not see a path forward together,” the group wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Yang’s decision to stay longer than originally planned was rooted in his desire to support his friends through a challenging moment. Habersberger explained, “If Eugene had left at that time, it would have been really bad optically. It would’ve been really hard for us to manage without him.” The crisis created an unexpected sense of unity within the group, with Yang reinvesting his efforts to help the team weather the storm. “He actually reinvested in cause he was like, ‘Well I need to be here to help us deal with this.’ It was a thing none of us had dealt with before, and it was an amount of eyeballs on us that none of us had experienced,” Habersberger added.
Eugene’s Ongoing Role in The Try Guys
Though Yang is no longer involved in every video or project, both Habersberger and Kornfeld were quick to point out that Yang’s departure does not mean he is completely disconnected from The Try Guys. He still serves as one of the company’s owners and continues to contribute creatively. “He’s just not in every video anymore,” Habersberger clarified, adding that Yang is still an integral part of the team, “He still wants to find things for him to come in and do. He’s just focused on other creative outlets right now.”
Kornfeld echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while Yang is no longer involved in the day-to-day of the group’s YouTube production, he remains a valued collaborator. “Eugene leaving was necessary for the group to keep moving forward,” Kornfeld said, “but he’s still a part of our company. He creatively contributes, and we still see him as family.”
A New Creative Chapter for Eugene Yang
Yang’s departure from The Try Guys marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in his career. Moving beyond the YouTube landscape, Yang has already made strides in the film and literary worlds, and his fans are eager to see how his talents will unfold in these new mediums. “It’s been bittersweet, but really important,” he said, reflecting on his decision to focus on his own projects. “I’m just really excited to see where I can take these new ideas and how they can impact a different audience.”
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As Yang continues to grow as a writer, director, and storyteller, he remains deeply appreciative of the relationships and experiences he had within The Try Guys. He has maintained close ties with his former colleagues and supporters, even if they are no longer collaborating in the same way. “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m so excited to focus on what’s next,” Yang said during his interview with Deadline.
For fans of The Try Guys, the departure of one of its most beloved members might have felt like the end of an era. However, both Yang and the remaining members of the group have made it clear that this shift is a natural progression, and that the creative bond they share will continue, even if their paths diverge. As Eugene Lee Yang embarks on his next chapter, both he and his former group members remain excited for what lies ahead.
