This week has been filled with sadness among avid viewers as "Running Man" members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook revealed their intent to leave the said variety show.
After the said announcements, speculations of who will replace the two became a hot issue. Producers of "Running Man" were in the talks of making an overhaul for the show this 2017 as Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook are reported to have their last shooting this December, according to an earlier article here in Kpop Starz.
As one of the famous comedians and MCs in South Korea, Kang Ho Dong was one of the top choices picked by the show's producers. It was revealed that the producers are planning to add a new concept to the show with new hosts like Kang Ho Dong on the roster.
Although Kang Ho Dong is a good choice for hosting the variety show, netizens were in an uproar upon hearing the news. With this, Kang Ho Dong's label, SM C&C, released an official statement explaining Kang Ho Dong's and their view.
As posted by All Kpop, SM C&C stated that after giving the offer some deep thoughts, Kang Ho Dong agreed to work as a new host for "Running Man" especially that he missed working with Yoo Jae Seok and Ji Seok Jin from "X-Man" in the early 2000's. However, SM C&C talked to Kang Ho Dong regarding the negative views by the fans and viewers of the show and Kang Ho Dong realized that more than his willingness to work for the show, he can't work comfortably if the viewers are uncomfortable with him being on the show. Thus, this leaves Kang Ho Dong declining the offer.
Moreover, "Running Man" producers recently released an apology to the fans of the show and to both Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook regarding some misunderstandings that led to the two finally deciding on leaving the show. There were also some insider reports that "Running Man" will no longer have a second season next year and instead will totally end in February with all the six members in it.
