Lee Kwang Soo will be sadly leaving the hit variety show “Running Man” 11 years later.
The news was revealed via an official statement by his agency King Kong by Starship. The agency stated that he’ll be stepping down from the show and his last recording will be taking place on May 24.
As for the reason why Lee Kwang Soo will be leaving “Running Man,” his agency explained that he’s been undergoing rehabilitation treatment since his injury from his accident last year, but its been getting more difficult for him to perform in a perfect condition during the episodes.
Thus, after Lee Kwang Soo had in-depth discussions with the members, producers and his agency, he’s decided that he will take some time to take care of his body and mind. The agency sincerely thanked fans for sending him much love whilst he was on the show.
The accident the agency is referring to was an a car accident Lee Kwang Soo has gotten into last February, he suffered a fracture in his right ankle which resulted in a brief break for him from the show at the time.
After the agency’s statement went live, many fans were deeply upset by the news. SBS has also released a separate statement to address it revealing that his departure from the show was being discussed for ‘a long time,’ SBS stated they will respect Lee Kwang Soo’s decision to step down.
In the statement, they also revealed that Lee Kwang Soo has done the best he could to go through rehabilitation for his leg and filming for the show. However, that wasn’t an easy thing to do and he’s discussed this with the members and production team.
They ended their statement with,
“The members and the production team wanted to be with Lee Kwang Soo for a longer time in Running Man, but since Lee Kwang Soo’s opinion as a Running Man member is important, we have decided to respect his decision after a long conversation.
Unfortunately, we are faced with a beautiful breakup, but we ask you to please give warm support and encouragement to Lee Kwang Soo and the members who made a tough decision. The Running Man members and the production team will also support Lee Kwang Soo, an eternal member.
Thank you.”
In another statement, it was also revealed that “Running Man” doesn’t plan on casting any new member to refill for Lee Kwang Soo’s place.
Meanwhile, Lee Kwang Soo was recently cast in a star-studded film starring Han Ji Min, Lee Dong Wook, Kang Ha Neul, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, and more.
The show and Lee Kwang Soo’s name have topped twitter worldwide trends after the news was revealed.
Lee Kwang Soo will be dearly missed on “Running Man.”
