At the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards, actress Song Ji Hyo broke into tears when fellow 'Running Man' member Lee Kwang-soo expressed his true feelings for her while picking up his Top Excellence Award for a variety show, on Sunday.
Kwang-soo called Song Ji Hyo "his "real older sister." He had always been very protective of her, perhaps more so than all the other members as seen countless times on the show. The two are also best friends in real life. Hearing this, Ji Hyo couldn't hold back tears as her love for her brother also became apparent, as noted by Koreaboo.
Kwang-soo has always had a very special relationship with Song Ji Hyo on the show and outside it. He affectionately calls her his Noona (Korean for elder sister). Throughout the show, Kwang-soo has always had her back.
Lee Kwang-soo's Top Excellence Award for 'Running Man' was given at the fag end of the awards ceremony. He dedicated his victory speech to all remaining cast members of 'Running Man' who were all seated at the tables observing the ceremony.
"I want to thank Ji Suk Jin for teaching me comedy and giving me life lessons. I want to thank Jaesuk who has made it possible for me to be here and my mentor Jong Kook. Haha is like my family, and Jihyo my real older sister, Gary my brother, and Joong Ki," Kwang-soo said, with tears in his eyes. Watch the video here.
Despite what happened recently on the show, when his "mentor" and "older sister" were ungratefully shown the door without being informed, Kwang-soo thanked the producers for having helped run the variety show for all these years. "I'm sorry. I would like to thank the producers for working so hard to protect Running Man and maintain all the love it receives," the actor said. This shows how humble and grateful he is, for having had the opportunity to be a part of this popular show.
Kwang-soo also reminded everyone of the true spirit of the show and and the happiness he and his co-stars have brought to the hearts of countless fans across Asia and elsewhere. "I love you all. I've been so happy. I was happy for 7 years from when I was 28 to 33 now, and I thank you for giving me such a great award and love. This is more than I deserve. I will try my best to bring you laughter until the very end. Let's end everything on a good note," he said.
Concluding, he said the most important thing; that though the show will end in February 2017, it is better to end it with a positive energy than the negative spirit that had dogged the show for the past few weeks, ever since Gary's departure and Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's removal and subsequent re-instatement.
However, the end of 'Running Man' is not necessarily a doom and gloom situation for its members as now they can do other things and expand their career as Song Ji Hyo is doing by modelling and then launching her own show in 2017. The CEO of Kwang-soo's management agency King Kong Entertainment has shed light on this particular fact, as noted by Yonhap. "We're sad to see this happen because 'Running Man' was so well loved," the CEO said. "But for (Lee's) acting career, we've been thinking about when would be a good time to leave the show," the CEO said.
We wish all the very best to Lee Kwang-soo and pray that his bond with his "real older sister" always remains strong.
