Lee Kwang Soo to Step Down from SBS’s “Running Man”

Lee Kwang Soo will be officially leaving SBS’s variety show ‘Running Man’

On April 27, King Kong by Starship, Lee Kwang Soo’s agency, revealed that he will be stepping down from SBS’s ‘Running Man.’ Last February, the actor encountered a car accident and suffered a fracture in his right ankle. At the time, he received surgery and took a brief break from ‘Running Man’.

He has been undergoing rehabilitation treatment since his injury from the accident, but it has been reported that things have become more difficult for him lately. He is said to not be in a perfect condition to be part of the show anymore. “After long discussions between the members, producers, and his agency since the accident, it is now 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,” says the agency. 

*Not Official Translation* 

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.

Meanwhile, Lee Kwang Soo was recently announced to be in the cast lineup of star-studded film ‘Happy New Year’ starring Han Ji Min, Lee Dong Wook, Kang Ha Neul, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, and more. The actor/entertainer/model was part of the variety show from 2010. His last recording will take place on May 24.

Lee Kwang Soo will be dearly missed in ‘Running Man’. Hope he gets well soon and comes back with better ways to entertain us on-screen.

For more updates follow @namaste_hallyu and @namastehallyustudio

Written By Contributory Writer – Poorana Porkalai