“Running Man” has been on the air for eleven years, with each cast member becoming more and more beloved as time goes on. Since he’s been there since the beginning, fans were very sad to hear that Lee Kwang Soo was leaving the show! But as all “Running Man” fans know, staying on the show requires cast members to be physically fit and able to RUN, and unfortunately, Kwang Soo’s ankle just won’t let him do that anymore. As we say goodbye, come join me in discussing five sides of Kwang Soo that we’ll miss the most.
Kwang Soo Makes a Really Really Good Giraffe
Kwang Soo proved that he was adept at slapstick humor time and time again in “Running Man.” From falling down (episode 372) to losing his pants (episode 361) to using his impossibly long arms to reach around and tear off someone’s nametag, Kwang Soo made us all laugh. His expressions were often priceless — he has a mobile, funny face, and he uses it well. But what I loved the most is how Kwang Soo absolutely OWNED his giraffe nickname. It was hilarious watching him meet giraffes (episode 141), dress as a giraffe (episode 386), and even call on the power of Giraffe Road to help him break a stack of tiles in episode 124. His beloved stuffed giraffes even made it on the show a few times, including in episodes 375 and 403. The giraffe connection was strong!
He May Be A Prince of Asia, But He Roars Like a Lion
The King of Betrayal Still Loved His Friends
Watching Kwang Soo compete in the “Running Man” games often becomes a game itself, because I’m waiting to see just how he’ll cheat.
But betraying his castmates in a game wasn’t really the important thing. More important to him were his friendships, like the one he shares with Jong Kook. During episode 473, when the cast was quarantined in a house and had the challenge of going to the corner store to get some snacks, Kwang Soo and Jong Kook had to make it through a series of funny situations without laughing. They supported each other a lot — mostly by NOT looking at each other — and nearly made it to the end.
It’s easy to tell that the cast loves Kwang Soo, and he loves them right back.
Saving Face? What’s That?
Kwang Soo threw himself into EVERY challenge the Running Man team gave him, and often claimed he was good at it — even when he wasn’t! But I could always count on watching Kwang Soo do his very best. I often think about episode 520, where the cast was learning three new hobbies and Kwang Soo and his team took on an a capella singing challenge. As for how well they did….? Watch the excerpt below and see for yourself.
Here’s what I find interesting about Kwang Soo. He’ll throw himself into anything — singing, kicking a soccer ball, attempting to jump over teammates — fail spectacularly, and not even be embarrassed about it. I think it adds to his charm.
What You See is What You Get
One of the reasons “Running Man” is such a fun program is because of how well the viewers get to know the cast. Getting to know people that well brings a more genuine humor to the situations they find themselves in, and it’s easy to feel connected to them all.
In getting to know Kwang Soo’s character through “Running Man,” I think one of the hardest but most important qualities to pin down in Kwang Soo is his sincerity. Yes, he may rage and yell and cuss. Yes, he will cheat and cheat and cheat. But in the end, he does it with such sincerity that I felt like what we saw on the screen is exactly who Kwang Soo is. It makes him even more lovable! I’m sure there will be more than a few tears when Kwang Soo leaves, and “Running Man” won’t quite be the same show without our Prince of Asia.
Drama fans, what were your favorite “Running Man” moments with Lee Kwang Soo? Drop down in the comments and let me know! You catch catch “Running Man” and “Running Man Classics” on KOCOWA to get your Kwang Soo fix anytime.
Stay tuned on KOCOWA and watch Lee Kwang Soo’s last episode on “Running Man” this Sunday!
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