Lee Kwang Soo's departure from "Running Man" is indeed saddening, but the production team made a decision on how they would preserve the chemistry of the remaining cast.
Before the episode of Lee Kwang Soo's last appearance in "Running Man" broadcasts, the show's team revealed the reason behind not adding new members.
Why "Running Man" Team Decided to Not Add a New Member
Recently, "Running Man's" producer Choi Bo Pil shared some of their plans for the show, and he highlighted why the production team has decided not to pick a new member to replace Lee Kwang Soo after he leaves the program.
Lee Jin Ho, a former reporter, also shared in detail through his YouTube channel the reasons behind the team's decisions.
According to him, "Lee Kwang Soo is a key figure in 'Running Man' and he was the one who gives good tension to every episode. He was also a talented member with a sense of humor and individual skills that brought the entertainment life on the show."
He also mentioned that adding a new member might cause trouble to the potential artist. Just like what had happened in 2017 when Yang Se Chan and Jeon So Min were put as regular members.
Lee Jin Ho said that despite Yoo Jae Suk and Lee Kwang Soo keeping the mood alive, they struggled to make much effort when Gary left the program. The teamwork began collapsing too and it was rumored that the show would be canceled.
And to overcome the gap, the production team made a decision to add new members, namely Jeon So Min and Yang Se Chan.
The two had a good chemistry with the rest of the cast and received good viewership ratings. They were able to deliver much laughter as they showcased the role of a 'Business Couple' and gave a boost to the show.
Jeon So Min and Yang Se Chan gave hope and revived teamwork in "Running Man."
ALSO READ: 'Running Man' Producer Shares Future Plan for the Show Following Lee Kwang Soo's Departure
If a New Member Will be Added, It May Result to Various Conflicts within the Show
Receiving good feedback was not consistent due to the difference in popularity between the members. They began to receive strong backlash from the fandom both in local and international. They were not happy with the additional members.
Lee Jin Ho confessed, "Jeon So Min was added as a new cast member and Song Ji Hyo's portion of the broadcast was decreased. This led to growing complaints from overseas fans and began doing various negative actions against Jeon So Min by threatening her on social media."
This kind of situation gave pressure to the whole production of "Running Man."
And now that another member will be parting ways with the show, the production team decided to strengthen the chemistry and teamwork of the existing members instead of adding new members.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Running Man' Cast Prepares for a Tearful Goodbye to Lee Kwang Soo in Next Week's Episode
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Written by Shai Collins
