Running Man which is one of the biggest and most popular variety shows in South Korea is finally coming to an end early next year.
The Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) and the staff of the show has been under fire after popular members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook got kicked off the show early this week. Veteran host Kang Ho Dong who was supposed to join on the next season back down after hearing the news.
According to Naver news, the cast and crew of the show held an emergency meeting on December 16 and have finally made a heart-breaking decision.
Soompi has quoted their official statements as the following:
“We held an emergency meeting with the members as well as the production staff. After the discussion, we have decided that ‘Running Man’ will finish at the end of February with all six current cast members.”
“We met with the cast members and we all shared our thoughts. In the end, we were able to smooth over all the misunderstandings that had grown over time. All the cast members and the production team, including Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo, shared their opinions, and we have decided to wrap up ‘Running Man’ at the end of February. For the sake of all the viewers and their great support, everyone has decided to do their very best till the end.” -PD Lee Hwan Jin
Some k-netizens have expressed their thoughts on the breaking news:
sam8**** +16734 -179
Because everyone is leaving together, the staffs stop and change it to “discontinued in February”.
winf**** +2192 -42
Although they could leave right away, Kim Jongkook and Song Jihyo are loyal. The staff really abusing their power by notifying people like them in that way.
njm7**** +1820 -57
The staffs ruin good program. Kkkkk
king**** +1623 -48
Are Song Jihyo and Kim Jongkook saints? If it was me, I’ll wreak havoc. To say that they’ll give it (to be with RM) until February after suffering that situation, they are really incredible. If it was me who gives it until February, I think I can’t bear the filming while smiling. Looks like they barely tolerate it. Eohyu~ it makes me mad. They end the 7 years of loyalty greatly. Every program would end eventually, but end it this dirty and noisy is very regrettable and unfortunate.
SBS have yet to release more statements on the matter as well as the other cast member’s future plans.