After 11 years, Lee Kwang-soo, a.k.a ‘giraffe’, leaves the ‘Running Man’ show

Lee Kwang-soo’s agency King Kong by Starship announced on Tuesday, April 27, that the actor “will be stepping down from SBS’s ‘Running Man.’”

“The Running Man members and production team have been steadily discussing Lee Kwang Soo’s resignation from the program for a long time, and we will respect Lee Kwang Soo’s decision to step down,” the agency said in a statement translated by Soompi.

“Since his car accident last year, Lee Kwang Soo has been going through rehabilitation for his leg, and even when he was not in the best of health, he undertook both the rehabilitation treatment and Running Man recordings at the same time out of his love and responsibility for the show,” it continued.

“However, despite Lee Kwang Soo’s efforts, it was not easy for him to do both at once, and he spoke about his concerns with the members and production team.”

“We are unfortunately faced with a beautiful goodbye, but we ask the viewers to show warm support and encouragement to Lee Kwang Soo and the members who made a difficult decision. The Running Man members and production team will also cheer on Lee Kwang Soo, an “eternal member.” Thank you,” the statement ended.

The 35-year-old entertainer, fondly known “giraffe,” is one of the original cast members of the variety show since July 2010. 

He is best known for his comedic antics in the show together with his cast members: Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Jeon So-min, and Yang Se-chan.

After his last recording, which will air on May 24, Running Man will continue with its seven remaining cast members.

Watch some of Kwang-soo’s funny moments on Running Man below.

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