Because my wife's health comes first... The moment Lee Sang-min stopped his survival challenge after 11 years [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

• [Reporter's Notebook]

'Survival King' Lee Sang-min has finally decided to step away from the game himself. It was a survival stage he returned to after 11 years, and it was a challenge he had enthusiastically prepared for by clearing his entire schedule in order to reach the finals. Yet, the reason he suddenly declared his withdrawal was none other than to protect his family.

In the seventh episode of Wave's survival series 'Blood Game X', which was released on the 7th, Lee Sang-min unexpectedly announced his withdrawal just before the individual matches began. "Can I say a few words?" he cautiously addressed the players, explaining, "I'm sorry, but something urgent came up at home, so I have no choice but to withdraw today."

The sudden announcement left the other players bewildered. Lee Sang-min explained, "My wife and I need to go to the hospital tomorrow," citing an unavoidable personal matter that required him to accompany his wife for her medical appointment, making it impossible for him to continue playing. At the time of filming, Lee was unable to take calls directly, but it is understood that he received the relevant information from the production team through his manager.

Lee Sang-min expressed his regret and apology to his fellow players, saying, "This came as a surprise, so I'm sorry to all my friends, but there was no other way." For Lee Sang-min, widely recognized as a survival variety show powerhouse, 'Blood Game X' held significance beyond mere entertainment participation. It marked his return to the survival genre for the first time since the conclusion of tvN's 'The Genius: Grand Final' in 2015.

He had cleared his entire schedule with the goal of at least reaching the finals. To focus completely on the game, he even organized and prepared other commitments. Indeed, on the program, he demonstrated his strengths as a reliable eldest member and strategic leader, guiding Team P1 with skill and insight.

That is why the regret over his withdrawal was even greater. He candidly shared his inner thoughts, saying, "It's frustrating that I can't continue." He also expressed deep disappointment, stating, "I could have done better in the future, but I wanted to show more. I wish I had stayed longer."

However, for Lee Sang-min, there was family that needed to be prioritized over the game. Although he set a goal of reaching the finals and prepared everything accordingly, he ultimately chose to step away from the game for his family's sake.

Nevertheless, Lee Sang-min's challenge after 11 years did not end in failure. He attached great significance simply to having appeared on a survival stage again through 'Blood Game X'. He remarked, "It was days that made me feel like I'm still alive," and added, "I'm glad I came out. If I hadn't taken this challenge, things could have gone very wrong. It was truly the best decision of my life."

In survival challenges, perhaps the most important thing is to survive until the end. His sudden withdrawal may have drawn reactions such as "futile" or "disappointing." However, for Lee Sang-min, this choice was not a defeat. It was a decision to protect his family, which he valued more than the game.

He stated, "This season ends here for me, but now it's just the beginning," and added, "I've heard people call me a tiger with missing teeth, but I will become a tiger that shows its fangs." Although he withdrew from the game, Lee Sang-min made a choice in life that was more important to him.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.