Lee Kwang Soo Is Leaving "Running Man" After 11 Years To Focus On His Health

By Wei Yin on 27 Apr 2021

Digital Editor

Running Man has consistently retained its spot as one of the most popular variety shows both in Korea and internationally ever since its first broadcast in 2010. But naturally, with such a long running programme comes changes in the cast over time.

Song Joong Ki and Kang Gary have both left the programme years back, and it has just been revealed this morning (27 April 2021) that Lee Kwang Soo will be leaving Running Man too, after 11 years as an official cast member.

Read on to find out more.

Photo from @sbs_runningman_sbs via Instagram

Fans would agree that Kwang Soo is an indispensable member of Running Man, having been dubbed "Asia Prince" by members and fans alike, all thanks to his popularity which skyrocketed ever since participating in the programme.

Although he puts on a quirky persona, makes everyone laugh all the time and likes to cheat in the games, he is also actually very caring and has been spotted taking care of guests with small gestures, and that is perhaps why fans like him so much.

Photo from @sbs_runningman_sbs via Instagram

Unfortunately, Kwang Soo will be leaving Running Man after a whopping 11 years on the programme, with his last day of filming on 24 May 2021.

His agency, King Kong by Starship, released a statement citing health reasons as to why he had to make this difficult decision. Kwang Soo had been receiving treatments for his injuries sustained from the car accident in 2020, but there were times where he felt it was hard to maintain his physical condition while filming Running Man.

Photo from @masijacoke850714 via Instagram

After discussions with his agency and the Running Man members and staff, Kwang Soo decided he needed time off the programme to focus on his health.

But there's always light at the end of the tunnel, as his agency also stated that Kwang Soo "promises to greet everyone with a bright and healthy image again", apart from thanking fans for their support all these years.

Photo from @sbs_runningman_sbs via Instagram

We are looking forward to the day Kwang Soo comes back with even better projects in his acting career, and hope to see him re-join the cast of Running Man one day!