Why is Lee Kwang-soo leaving 'Running Man'? Actor's 11-year stint ends, fans 'can't imagine' show without him
Famous South Korean actor and entertainer Lee Kwang-soo is stepping from the variety show 'Running Man' after 11 years. 'Running Man' is one of the most-watched Korean variety shows which is aired on SBS. Kwang-soo joined 'Running Man' in 2010 as a cast member and 11 years later, a statement from his agency revealed that the 35-year-old actor will be stepping down from the show due to rehabilitation treatment.
The detailed statement says that Kwang-soo's last shooting on 'Running Man' will take place on May 24 after which the actor will take a break due to his health reasons. The channel SBS has released a separate statement which read: “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."
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Why is Lee Kwang-soo leaving 'Running Man'?
According to the agency of Lee Kwang-soo, the actor needs medical attention as his injury from last year needs time to heal. On April 27, they released a statement that read, "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."
The statement further claimed, "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.'”
What happened to Lee Kwang-soo?
In February 2020, Lee Kwang-soo was in a car accident where the 'Entourage' star suffered an injury on his right ankle. His car was "hit by another vehicle violating traffic signals", a report stated.
What did SBS say?
Following Kwang-soo's agency, SBS has released a statement regarding the resignation of the Korean actor saying, "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."
It sheds light on how the actor has been managing both the treatment and shooting. It notes, "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." It further adds, "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."
The statement adds, "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."
'Heartbreaking on another level'
Fans are heartbroken at the news as Kwang-soo was loved by many and was a reason for tuning in to the show. A fan said, "I've stopped watching running man after gary left because it wouldn't be same anymore. But when kwangsoo left, yashh yorobun, it's another level of heartbreaking." Another viewer commented, "I am so sad and can't imagine Running Man without Lee Kwangsoo, but his health is more important than anything, thank you for bringing laugh and joy during this 11 years Asia Prince!"
I've stopped watching running man after gary left because it wouldn't be same anymore. But when kwangsoo left, yashh yorobun, it's another level of heartbreaking :( pic.twitter.com/MM7GMGpbxR
— now I need money 🍓 (@matchaoreong) April 27, 2021
I am so sad and can't imagine Running Man without Lee Kwangsoo, but his health is more important than anything, thank you for bringing laugh and joy during this 11 years Asia Prince, 😭
— Juwariyah (@akasugirunohana) April 27, 2021
'Running Man' will return on SBS on May 2, 2021. Watch the show here.