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Lee Kwang Soo of “Running Man” Woos Singapore

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Lee Kwang Soo of “Running Man” Woos Singapore

South Korean variety show star Lee Kwang Soo has charmed Singaporean fans with a zany performance.

Lee Kwang Soo, from the hit South Korean variety show Running Man, has given Singaporean fans a healthy dose of charm in recent days. Over the weekend he met his fans in the Lion City at Resorts World Sentosa’s Festive Grand Theater and left his predominantly female fan base wanting more.

Despite having a bout of hiccups onstage, repeatedly admitting to the crowd his nervousness and even giggling while singing TVXQ’s song “Hug,” the fans couldn’t get enough. If anything, it made their adulation even more ardent.

“I’m so nervous!” he shouted many times to the delighted crowd.

And at moments he needed to smooth over rough spots he simply shouted, “I love you!”

When he sang off-key, they simply chanted “It’s OK” in Korean and egged him on. The 28-year-old performer – standing 190 cm tall and nicknamed the “giraffe” – also serenaded the gathering with “Because It’s You” – forgetting the entire first verse – and brought the show to a close with “I Believe” from the South Korean box office smash My Sassy Girl.

Running Man first debuted in South Korea in 2010 and has since become a hit around the region. Guests and cast members compete in various “missions” in this “urban action variety” show. A best-of compilation can be seen here. On the show, Lee is known for his antics, which were on full display during his performance in Singapore. He busted a series of silly dance moves and poses, eliciting laughs from the audience.

Other hosts from Running Man, including Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Gary, Ji Suk-jin and Yoo Jae-suk, along with actors Jo In-Sung, Lee Dong-wook, Kim Beom and Song Joong-ki appeared in a video that was screened at the fan-greet. Lee’s celebrity chums were there on screen to offer their anxious friend onstage words of encouragement.

As Channel News Asia notes, Lee’s charm offensive allowed him to pull off a less than perfect performance, writing, “he redeemed himself with self-deprecating humor and a down-to-earth persona.” This came with a generous number of autographs and photo opportunities – even piggyback rides and kisses on the forehead.

Photos of the event can be seen here.