Lee Kwang-soo’s Roles in Running Man
Lee is widely known as the “Prince of Asia” or “Asia’s Prince” because of his popularity in Asian cities where the show took place. When Running Man went to Vietnam (episode 134), the streets were filled with Running Man fans who would always entertain the name “Lee Kwang-soo,” many wearing their associated animal costumes, giraffes. Lee is mainly known as the “Giraffe” because of his very tall stature. While members and guests use this as a point of criticism, Lee has used his height in many opportunities to win challenges or score points. Other permutations of this attribute include “Treacherous Giraffe”. Lee is also known as “Framer Kwang Soo.” With his fast and bold imagination, Kwang Soo can easily make up controversial gossip about co-members, thus “framing” them. The main targets of his frame-ups are Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook. In previous episodes, Lee has gossiped about Song being a wild party girl and a drunkard. His efforts were validated when Kim Hee Chul revealed that Song did like to drink a little soju in the dressing room before bringing Inkigayo with her (episode 20). Lee is also known as someone who is loved by Diverse Gods because of his perfect ability to make funny scenes, often times at the expense of his own dignity. This also refers to his very bad luck when playing egg roulette in episode 143 when he continued to get raw eggs. Lee’s female alter ego “Kwang Ja” also shows his breadth and diversity as a comedian. This happens when he has to wear a women’s wig because the game requires forming a couple of one man and one woman, so he is a substitute for the woman in the pair constituted by two men. Lee is known for his treacherous nature. He has been dubbed the “Icon of Betrayal,” “Betrayer Kwang Soo,” and “Traitorous Giraffe.” Whenever Kwang Soo is given the opportunity to betray a fellow member, he will immediately take that opportunity. In fact, he always hopes and actively seeks the task of being a spy to betray his team. Once, in an episode, Kwang Soo was given the opportunity to share the victory with Ji Suk Jin. However, he chose to betray Ji but eventually withdrew as the only way to win was for him to share with others. Lee is also widely known for his misfortune, thus getting the title “Icon of Bad Luck.” Because he looks like a frog on several occasions, especially in the challenges associated with the Flying Chair, Lee is also dubbed “Kwang Toad.”
Lee Kwang-soo’s Relationships in Running Man
Easy Brothers
Perhaps Lee’s best-known collaboration is with Ji Suk Jin, together with whom they are known as “Easy Brother.” This term is portmanteau and a word game from their last name. Lee in Korea is also pronounced as “ee” or “ea” and when combined with “Ji” forms “ee-ji” which is the Korean pronunciation for “easy.” Most also relate the term to the fact that they are very easy to cheat and are very easy to beat because they are the two weakest Running Man members.
Betrayal in the “Betrayal Club”
Lee is a member of a three-person club called “Betrayal Club.” Other members include Ji Suk Jin and HaHa. Club members are known for their treacherous nature and continuous attention seeking behavior. All three members have been grouped together or given the opportunity to work together but they always end up betraying each other, thus never reaching a final victory.
Love-Hate Relationship with Song Ji-hyo
Lee knew he would fight with Song Ji Hyo. While both of them love each other very much, they can also argue, especially when Lee uses his framing skills on Song. On several occasions, Lee has even bit Song to beat her only to receive a hard blow in return.
