11 Years of Laughter and Adventure
For the past 11 years, Lee Kwang Soo has been an integral part of the South Korean variety show Running Man. As the “Betrayer,” “Giraffe,” and “Prince of Asia,” he has brought countless moments of laughter and excitement to viewers around the world.
An Emotional Farewell
On April 26, 2021, Lee Kwang Soo announced his departure from Running Man after carefully considering his future plans. In a heartfelt message to fans, he expressed his gratitude for the love and support he has received over the years.
Reasons for Leaving
Lee Kwang Soo’s decision to leave Running Man was motivated by several factors. According to his agency, KingKong by Starship, he intends to focus on his acting career and overcome the physical limitations he has experienced during the show’s demanding filming schedule.
The Show Must Go On
Despite the loss of Lee Kwang Soo, Running Man will continue to produce new episodes with its remaining cast members: Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hyo, Haha, and Yang Se-chan. The show has been a huge success in South Korea and internationally, and fans are eager to see how it will evolve in Lee Kwang Soo’s absence.
The Legacy of Lee Kwang Soo
Lee Kwang Soo’s impact on Running Man cannot be overstated. His unique personality and comedic timing made him a fan favorite, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the show.
Fans React
News of Lee Kwang Soo’s departure has been met with a mixture of sadness and understanding from fans. Many have expressed their hope that he will find success in his future endeavors, while others have expressed their disappointment that he is leaving their beloved show.
Table 1: Lee Kwang Soo’s Running Man Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Episodes Appeared | 578 |
| Games Played | 1,836 |
| Victories | 314 |
| Betrayals | 287 |
Table 2: Running Man’s Global Success
| Country | Viewership (Millions) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 10.9 |
| China | 6.3 |
| Japan | 3.7 |
| United States | 2.9 |
| Europe | 2.5 |
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Lee Kwang Soo’s Departure
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focus on acting career | Loss of unique comedic presence |
| Overcome physical limitations | Potential decrease in show’s popularity |
| Exploration of new opportunities | Disappointment among fans |
Table 4: Tips for Coping with Lee Kwang Soo’s Departure
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Watch old episodes of Running Man | Relive the laughter and memories |
| Follow Lee Kwang Soo on social media | Stay up-to-date on his future projects |
| Support Running Man’s remaining cast | Show your appreciation for their continued efforts |
| Embrace the change | Remember that all things must eventually come to an end |
Conclusion
Lee Kwang Soo’s departure from Running Man marks the end of an era for the beloved variety show. While his absence will be felt, the show will continue to entertain audiences with its unique brand of humor and adventure. Lee Kwang Soo’s legacy will live on in the countless moments of laughter he has brought to viewers over the years.
