Lee Kwang-soo to leave 'Running Man' after 11 years

Actor Lee Kwang-soo / Courtesy of KingKong by Starship

By Dong Sun-hwa

Actor Lee Kwang-soo, who has been a regular cast member of SBS's popular variety show “Running Man” since its launch in 2010, will leave the program due to health concerns.

Lee's agency KingKong by Starship released a statement Tuesday morning, saying that the actor will shoot his last episode on May 24.

“Following a car accident last year, Lee has been undergoing rehabilitation,” it said. “After talks with other members of 'Running Man,' he decided to focus more on recovering his physical and mental health so that he can show a better version of himself in the future. We appreciate the love and support shown to Lee for the past 11 years.”

Last February, Lee, 35, sustained a fracture to his right ankle after being hit by a car. Due to the injury, he took a leave for about a month before returning to the program in March.

The production team confirmed Lee's withdrawal, adding it will not add a new member at least for a while.

“Lee tried his best to film 'Running Man' while undergoing rehabilitation therapy, but it was not easy for him to do both at the same time,” it said in a statement Tuesday. “We say goodbye to Lee and continue to support him.”

Lee debuted as a fashion model in 2007 and began forging an acting career in 2008 with the MBC sitcom, “Here He Comes.” Since then, he has been featured in several works, including the sitcom, "High Kick Through the Roof" (2009), and the crime movie "Tazza: One Eyed Jack" (2019). Thanks to his role in “Running Man,” one of the most sought-after Korean variety shows, he has enjoyed immense popularity, especially in Asia.