Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook are officially leaving 'Running Man'. The long-time hit variety show from SBS has been undergoing several member changes for the past six years.
Before the departure of Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook, only last November the fans were shocked by Kang Gary's decision to leave the show. The rapper left in order to focus more on his music.
On December 13, many news sites were reporting rumors of Kang Ho Dong to join 'Running Man' renewal for season two next year. Meanwhile following Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's departure, there has been issue regarding how their 'decision' to leave the variety show may not have been mutual.
Song Ji Hyo's agency, MY Company, addressed the matter in quite diplomatic way. MY Company explained that their side knew 'Running Man' would go through changes and that it seemed natural for Song Ji Hyo to leave the variety show during season-change. However, they also said that their side only found out from news reports regarding which members would not be invited back. MY Company added, "It is true there was a lack of active communication from the production crew about Song Ji Hyo leaving the show. We do not want to comment on Song Ji Hyo's feelings, but the farewell did not happen on a good note."
As for Kim Jong Kook, his agency Maroo Entertainment released a statement about the singer knowing that changes were coming to 'Running Man' a couple of weeks ago, but sadly he was only informed about his departure on December 12. Maroo Entertainment said, "At first we knew about the plan to change the show's format, but there was no talk of any member changes. They ('Running Man' production crew) called on December 12 to inform us that Kim Jong Kook is leaving the show."
Fans have expressed disappointment towards SBS for the fact that both Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook had strong characters in 'Running Man'.
So what do you think; is production crew kicking Ace Ji Hyo and SpartaKook out of their show, or is it the actress and singer's sole decision to leave 'Running Man' which suffers from low-rating nowadays? Tell us what you thought on the comment below!
