Lee Kwang Soo was just an unnamed rookie before he became a popular member of the variety show Running Man. His path to stardom was a touching story of talent and luck.
Lee, known for his roles in movies such as The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure, Sinkhole, and The Killer's Shopping List series, quickly won over the hearts of fans worldwide during his time on the television program Running Man.
Viewers were drawn to his sense of humor and commitment to the complex games the show put him through.
On the latest episode of Yoo Jae Suk's YouTube show Pinggyego, which was released over the weekend, Lee appeared alongside Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Ji—-his former Running Man castmate—-to reminisce about their time on the show.
"I met Lee first through another program — Come To Play — and recognized him as a variety TV member right away," Yoo said.
Recalling their meeting, Yoo said, "I thought Lee Kwang Soo would do well on entertainment shows."
Ji Suk Jin, however, also revealed his initial uncertainty about whether Lee would fit with the format. "If due to his instincts then, when he first encountered him, he would never have imagined him fit for variety shows," he said, highlighting Yoo's talent.
"From the beginning, Yoo has been a big help to Lee, "he said. Lee recounted, "Even before Running Man, Yoo Jae Suk said I was funny."
This recommendation led Yoo to suggest Lee to the producers during the casting phase of Running Man. That was the turning point because, for Lee, having that show was the catalyst for his celebrity.
Following his departure from the program in 2021, Lee remained close with many of his former co-stars.
His recent appearance with Yoo and Ji on Pinggyego showed their long-time bond beyond working together.
The trio looks back on having shared the history available on Yoo Jae Suk's YouTube channel.
