Lee Seung-gi to leave "Strong Heart"

Lee Seung-gi [Hook Entertainment]

Korean singer and actor Lee Seung-gi will leave his post as the emcee of SBS' variety program "Strong Heart," according to his agency Hook Entertainment on Thursday.

A rep with Hook told 10Asia over phone that Lee will no longer host "Strong Heart" and he will record his final episode on March 15. The official said that Lee made the decision to step down from the show in order to focus on his singing career in Japan and on MBC's upcoming series 'King2hearts,' also starring actress Ha Ji-won.

Additionally, an official with SBS said that Lee's final episode will air on April 3 and that they have yet to find a replacement.

Lee was appointed the co-host of "Strong Heart" in 2009 with comedian Kang Ho-dong and began hosting the show alone after Kang's departure last year. Making his debut in 2004 with album "The Dream of a Moth," Lee expanded his career into the different branches of entertainment industry such as television drama and weekly variety show.

Lee, who just finished signing his contract with Japanese management company Amuse Entertainment, will release his Japanese debut single on March 6.

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