After 3,991 days of running, jumping, laughter and tears, Lee Kwang Soo has said goodbye to Running Man.
The actor and model is an original cast member of the hit South Korean variety show and has gone on to be known as the Variety God’s favourite (for his bad luck, which often leads to the funniest outcomes). Throughout his 11 years on the show, Kwang Soo developed various “characters”: Kwangvatar (a mix of his name and the blue “Avatar”), Asian Prince, Kwangja, Giraffe, Icon of Betrayal and more. For 7 of those 11 years, Kwang Soo was the “maknae”, i.e. youngest member. As such, he was often seen taking care of the older members. Even when Se Chan and So Min joined in 2017, Kwang Soo continued to show his kindness through the little things the camera sometimes caught: getting his older members water, making sure Ji Hyo was okay after a punishment/game, bringing them towels. The 35-year-old found a permanent place in our hearts, with his honest hard work and incredible knack for making every single episode so much fun.
Former producer-director Lee Hwan Jin, took to Instagram to praise the actor, sharing just how much dedication the actor showed in his 11 years on the show.
View this post on Instagram
His caption reads:
“From what I remember, Kwang Soo has never once told the producers ‘No.’
He tore off name tags with a broken pinky toe and even got soaked with water in the middle of winter while suffering from a cold.
When I was looking at Kwang Soo while editing, I thought he was such a hilarious guy that if his fancam were to be released it would be a culture shock to comedians all around the world.
To the hoodwinker of the entertainment world who appeared like a mutant, my good friend, and special brother Kwang Soo, you truly did an amazing job for such a long time.
Lastly, there is something I would like to convey to everyone.
Kwang Soo is not an idiot.
Or is he…?
Even if he is, he’s not…that much of an idiot.
Or…is…he?”
The PD’s sweet message follows that of the Running Man members, who wrote the actor letters on episode 559 of Running Man – Kwang Soo’s last appearance. Twitter user @unniesoveroppas shared the translations to the letter that the members have written for Kwang Soo (and I can’t stop crying).
“Feel, Touch, Cross” Brother Suk Jin: “Kwang Soo ah, let’s see each other for the rest of our lives and walk the rest of our lives together because we are family.”
Sukjin’s Letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/pmt9x7oYVb
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
The one who cuts him off but protects him always, Jae Suk: “It will feel empty without you, but you should do all the things that you wanted to do now without worrying about us.”
Jaesuk’s Letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/xrkG2Bjitw
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
Kookie: “Stay healthy, you punk.”
Jongkook’s Letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/Kir6UK6OKE
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
The kid who now has kids, Haha: “I pray that no matter where you are, you’ll shine brightly as you achieve your dreams.”
Haha’s Letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/KtNPae9Pfn
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
Noona Ji Hyo: “Come whenever you miss us, I love you Kwangsoo ah.”
Jihyo’s full letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/5e87rpK7H0
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
True dongsaeng Se Chan: “From now on, do whatever you want in a world without punishments.”
Sechan’s Letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/4S6vsAMvFj
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
Love frog So Min: “I’ll pray for every step you take.”
Somin’s Letter to Kwangsoo pic.twitter.com/jmZkdrvMd6
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
And finally, Kwang Soo’s own words…
Kwangsoo’s Letter to his Members pic.twitter.com/armNesgYNB
— yj~?? (@unniesoveroppas) June 13, 2021
We wish the absolute best for the man who did his absolute best for us fans, the staff of Running Man and his family-like members. 영원히 사랑합니다, 이광수 ❤️
*Cover image credits: @sbs_runningman_sbs
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