From variety show star to award-winning actor: the evolution of Lee Kwang-soo
In short: Known to millions as the 'Prince of Asia' through his long tenure on Running Man, Lee Kwang-soo has built a diverse career spanning from modeling to critically acclaimed dramatic roles that have left audiences stunned by his range.
Lee Kwang-soo's journey in the South Korean entertainment industry began in 2007 as a model. He transitioned to acting in 2008 with his debut in the sitcom Here He Comes. His rise to massive popularity was cemented through his role as a regular cast member on the SBS variety show Running Man, a position he held from June 2010 until May 2021. Before his television success, he worked as a model starting in 2007. His acting career officially commenced with the 2008 sitcom Here He Comes.
This variety success earned him the nickname 'Prince of Asia' and back-to-back awards at the SBS Entertainment Awards in 2010 and 2011, where he won the 'New Star Award' and 'Best Newcomer in Variety.' However, Lee sought to expand his repertoire beyond comedy, expressing a specific desire to play an antagonist. He achieved this in the 2013 period drama Goddess of Fire, portraying the villainous Prince Imhae.
Lee's dramatic range was further validated by his performance in the 2019 film Inseparable Bros. Playing Park Dong-goo, a character with severe intellectual disabilities, he earned his first Baeksang Arts Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance was so impactful that critics compared his portrayal to Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. Despite a hiatus following a 2020 car accident and ankle injury, Lee has continued to take on significant roles, including the 2025 Netflix crime thriller Karma. His recent work includes the Disney+ series The Manipulated, where he portrays Baek Do-kyung. He also appeared in the 2022 tvN drama The Killer's Shopping List.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Lee Kwang-soo
- Also: Wikidata — Lee Kwang-soo · CC0
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