Lee Kwang-soo, the beloved South Korean actor and variety show icon, is back in the spotlight with two major drama series – Amazon Prime’s workplace comedy The Divorce Insurance and Netflix’s dark thriller Karma. Known for his towering height (190cm/6ft 2in), sharp comedic timing, and surprising emotional range, Lee has built a versatile career spanning over 15 years.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

After completing his military service, Lee Kwang-soo entered the entertainment industry in 2007 through commercials and sitcoms like Here He Comes. His breakout came in 2010 when he became a founding cast member of the hit variety show Running Man. His goofy charm, physical humor, and enduring loyalty made him a fan favorite across Asia, earning him the nickname “Asia’s Prince” among Hallyu fans.

Balancing Comedy and Drama

Lee seamlessly transitioned from variety star to serious actor. His early film roles, like in Wonderful Radio and All About My Wife, leaned into his comedic persona. But he also impressed in darker projects like The Scent and The Innocent Man, where he earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the KBS Drama Awards.

One of his most acclaimed performances came in It’s Okay, That’s Love, where he portrayed a waiter with Tourette’s syndrome. The emotionally nuanced role won him both critical acclaim and awards, including an Excellence Award at the Korean Drama Awards.

Versatility on Screen

Lee’s career has showcased his wide range. In the police drama Live, he played a kind-hearted but unlucky patrol officer, while in Inseparable Bros (2019), he took on a challenging role as a man with an intellectual disability, winning Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

His current roles in Karma and The Divorce Insurance highlight his ability to pivot from dark thrillers to light-hearted comedy – a rare feat in the K-drama world.

Kwang-soo Today

With projects like Karma (where he plays the morally conflicted “Glasses” alongside Park Hae-soo and Shin Min-a), Lee Kwang-soo continues to evolve as an actor, moving far beyond his goofy Running Man days. Whether he’s making audiences laugh or delivering complex, layered performances, Lee remains one of Korea’s most unique and beloved talents.