After 11 years, Lee Kwang-soo exits ‘Running Man’
Korean variety show Running Man has announced that long-time cast member Lee Kwang-soo will be stepping down from the series.
ICYDK, Running Man is a reality-variety show where a star-studded cast must go through a series of tasks and challenges in a certain urban area to win the race. Starting in July 2010, it now has 551 episodes and has gained a massive global following. Lee Kwang-soo has been part of the show's original cast since its first episode.
The show announced Lee Kwang-soo's departure in a statement.
“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," they shared.
The show furthered that they understand the actor’s decision as he's been healing from surgery after a car accident in February 2020.
“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.
They went on to show support for the remaining members of Running Man, and assures that Lee Kwang-soo will be an "eternal member" of the show. He will film his final episode this May 24.