Lee Kwang-soo is known to be very popular across all Asia. This is why he was given the nickname 'Asia's Prince.' However, it seems that back home in South Korea, he might not be just as popular as 'Nation's MC' Yoo Jae-suk. A particular phone call left Kwang-soo puzzled, embarrassed and disappointed.
As noted by website Allkpop, the October 22 episode of 'Running Man' had the members deciding on a farming trip; to pluck some sweet potatoes. They had to call up a few farmland owners before they could settle on a spot. First to try was Ji Suk-jin, with no success. Song Ji-hyo also seemed to fiddle with her phone until Lee Kwang-soo made a call.
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The person at the other end of the phone kept Kwang-soo waiting as a catchy k-pop caller tune had Yoo Jae-suk and Jun So-min moving their bodies to the beats. The man finally picked up the phone and Kwang-soo asked him whether they could film on his farm. Perhaps in order to get the man excited about the prospect of the shoot, Kwang-soo revealed his identity to him. Surprisingly, the man gave him an awkward laugh, then became silent.
It appears the man didn't take Kwang-soo seriously and may have thought the call was some sort of a prank. It might also be that he isn't a big Kwang-soo fan because a little later he recognised another 'Running Man' member who isn't as popular across Asia. Kwang-soo was visibly embarrassed and told the man, "I'll hand over the phone to someone famous." He then handed the phone quickly, to Yoo Jae-suk.
"Hello my name is Yoo jae-suk from Running man," the 'Nation's MC' told him. Immediately, the person recognised who he was. This had everyone laughing. Lee Kwang-soo may have initially thought the man would fail to recognise Yoo Jae-suk but he was proven wrong. Kwang-soo shook his head in disappointment and then hung his head melancholically.
Late last month, Lee Kwang-soo and Jun So-min had to travel to Jakarta to receive a punishment cable car ride. Once they landed at Yogyakarta airport, Kwang-soo was delighted to see numerous fans waiting for him; cheering for him and welcoming him to Indonesia. Jun So-min was overwhelmed at Kwang-soo's overseas popularity.
It seems that not everyone in his home country recognises him as much as they do Yoo Jae-suk. It is sad that Kwang-soo really seems to be the most unfortunate 'Running Man' right now. Hopefully, Kwang-soo's sad phase will pass soon and something nice will happen to the tallest 'Running Man' member.
Meanwhile, as noted by Soompi, artists from SM Entertainment will be making an appearance on an upcoming episode of 'Running Man.' Super Junior's Leeteuk, Eunhyuk, Yesung, and Donghae and Red Velvet's Irene and Joy will be appearing as guests on the show. The episode will be an "Olympic Special," an industry representative revealed on October 23. It will be shot in Chungcheong Province.
'Running Man' has been maintaining a high viewership rating for the last seven episodes. The October 15 and 22 episodes both secured 8.8 percent ratings in all of South Korea, as per AGB Nielsen. The next episode airs on October 29 at 4:50 p.m. KST, on SBS.
