Lee Kwang-soo to leave 'Running Man' after 11 years
Lee Kwang-soo is saying goodbye to the variety show Running Man where he has been a part of the main cast for 11 years.
The actor's agency King Kong Starship told Korean media on April 27, “Lee Kwang Soo will be stepping down from SBS's Running Man. His last recording will take place on May 24. He has been steadily undergoing rehabilitation treatment since his injury from the accident last year, but it has been difficult for him to be in perfect condition during the recordings.
"After long discussions between the members, producers, and his agency since the accident, it was decided that he will take some time to take care of his body and mind.
"We sincerely thank you for sending so much love and attention to Lee Kwang Soo on Running Man."
In February 2020, Lee Kwang-soo got into a car accident and injured his right ankle. He had ankle surgery following the incident and took a hiatus from hosting Running Man.
SBS, the show's official network, has released a statement announcing the news.
The statement revealed Lee Kwang-soo has been undergoing rehabilitation following his surgery while still doing recording for the show but eventually decided to leave the program.
SBS also referred to Lee Kwang-soo as an "eternal member."
"This is our official statement regarding actor Lee Kwang Soo's departure from SBS's Running Man.
"The Running Man members and production team have been steadily discussing Lee Kwang Soo's resignation from the program for a long time, and we will respect Lee Kwang Soo's decision to step down.
"Since his car accident last year, Lee Kwang-soo has been going through rehabilitation for his leg, and even when he was not in the best of health, he undertook both the rehabilitation treatment and Running Man recordings at the same time out of his love and responsibility for the show.
"However, despite Lee Kwang Soo's efforts, it was not easy for him to do both at once, and he spoke about his concerns with the members and production team.
"The members and production team would have liked to continue with Lee Kwang Soo on Running Man for a longer time, but as Lee Kwang Soo's opinion as a member of Running Man is important, we have decided to respect his decision after a long period of discussion.
"We are unfortunately faced with a beautiful goodbye, but we ask the viewers to show warm support and encouragement to Lee Kwang Soo and the members who made a difficult decision. The Running Man members and production team will also cheer on Lee Kwang Soo, an 'eternal member.' Thank you."
#LeeKwangSoo to step away from '#RunningMan' after 11 years https://t.co/mSF61kPJ53
-- The Korea Herald (@TheKoreaHerald) April 27, 2021
Running Man has been airing since 2010 and has been one of the most well-loved shows in South Korea. The show also airs on GMA Hallypop.
After news of Lee Kwang-soo's departure from the show circulated on the internet, the show became a top trending topic on Twitter Philippines.
Lee Kwang-soo made his acting debut in the sitcom Here He Comes (2008) and got further recognition for his characters in the drama It's Okay, That's Love (2014), Live (2018), the sitcom The Sound of Your Heart (2016), and films Confession (2014), Collective Invention (2015), and Inseparable Bros (2019).
Check out the baby photos of Kwang-soo and other Korean stars in this gallery:
