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[BREAKING: LEE KWANG SOO LEAVES RUNNING MAN AFTER 11 YEARS]

According to his agency, the original cast member is leaving because he's been unable to keep up with the physical demands of the show after suffering an injury in a car accident last year.

Lee Kwang-soo will be leaving the popular Korean TV show Running Man. This was confirmed by his management agency on Tuesday (Apr 27) and reported by several media outlets.

Lee is an original cast member of the variety game show and has been with the popular series for 11 years. According to his agency, KingKong by Starship, he will film his last episode on May 24.

The agency said that the actor has been having trouble keeping up with the physical demands of the show due to an injury he sustained in a car accident last year. Despite receiving regular physical therapy, the agency said there were times when Lee “felt that it was difficult to maintain the top physical condition during Running Man filming”.

After long discussions with the production staff, crew, fellow cast members and his agency, Lee decided that he “needed time to recuperate, both physically and mentally”.

"We sincerely thank all the viewers for the love they showed Lee Kwang-soo on Running Man," the agency said.

TV network SBS also released a statement announcing Lee’s departure and urging viewers to “show warm support and encouragement to Lee Kwang-soo and the members who made a difficult decision”.

The show, which first aired in July 2010, will continue with its other members.

Source: CNA Lifestyle