running man entry
This might be my first, last and only entry about Running Man. For those who don’t know what Running Man is, it is a popular korean variety show that started 11 years ago. There were originally 7 cast members and some left and were replaced and currently there are 8 members, and one more member leaving.
I started watching Running Man around 8 years ago because a k-pop group I like was a guest on that show. I enjoyed it and started looking for episodes with guests whom I know but eventually, I decided to watch from the very first episode to the latest one.
Honestly, I did not like all of the members at first. I went through a phase were I hated one or two of them for some time but I ended up liking all of them anyway. My favorite member was Gary but he left the show 4 years ago. My heart was broken and I didn’t know how to look forward to the next episodes after he left. There were even issues that more members will be leaving as well as the show being cancelled but fortunately, it didn’t happen. After deciding to continue with the show, I think most of the production crew were replaced and they added 2 more members as well.
There were changes to the show’s format when they decided to continue the show and until now, I honestly still prefer the old Running Man. However, the members worked hard and I continued to support them, watching the episode every week. It is the only thing that I look forward to on Mondays.
Just last April 2021, it was announced that Lee Kwang Soo is leaving the show permanently due to health reasons (he had a car accident last year). Even though I understand his decision, it is very hard for me to accept. I am heartbroken. During his last episodes, the members kept teasing him about leaving the show and I wasn’t able to hold back my tears. I do not know how to watch his last episode next week. He was the soul of Running Man. The show will never be the same without our girin.
I deliberately decided to stop watching the show with the news of Kwang Soo leaving. It doesn’t mean I no longer support the members but I just don’t see how the show will go without him. I will still watch it if someone I like guests on the show but not like before where I watch it every week. It was not an easy decision because Running Man is a huge part of my life especially during hard times where I can only count on the members to lift my spirits up. But I have decided and maybe it’s just time for me to move on.
To Lee Kwang Soo, I wish you only the best and I pray you will stay healthy! You will always be our girin.
