Running Man to end in February 2017

Caught off guard by the revelation, Ji Hyo’s agency released an official statement shortly after, saying that the actress “only found out which members were invited back [for season two] from news reports” and Jong Kook’s agency also shed some light on the situation by letting in that the singer was only told of his departure on Monday (Dec 12).

Along with the announcement of the pair’s exit from the show, Running Man’s production team also announced the addition of Korean host and comedian Kang Ho Dong to the cast in 2017, but he pulled out of the show shortly after hearing news about Ji Hyo and Jong Kook leaving.

The host’s agency stated, “We don’t want Kang Ho Dong’s appearance to be uncomfortable to the viewers and with that in mind, we are sorry but we respectfully decline the offer [to join the show]”.

The miscommunication between the production crew and cast members sparked an outrage from fans, who voiced their displeasure online.

The production team of Running Man issued an official apology to Ji Hyo and Jong Kook on their website last night (Dec 16), following furor over their mishandling of the situation. They “sincerely apologise for hurting Ji Hyo and Jong Kook” due to the re-organisation of the show and assured that the pair “were treated like family for the past seven years”.

UPDATE (December 16, 4.39 pm): After meeting all six members for a closed-door meeting today, the producers of Running Man have announced that the show will end its broadcast in February 2017. The remaining six members Yoo Jaesuk, HaHa, Lee Kwang Soo, Ji Suk-jin, Ji Hyo and Jong Kook will film the new format of the show starting from January and step down together in February, when the programme ends.

"After we met during the meeting today, we sincerely apologised to them [Ji Hyo and Jong Kook], cleared all misunderstandings and made the decision to end their participation in it together," said a producer.

Jong Kook and Ji Hyo added, "The past seven years have led to close relationships with the members and [we] hope to finish the final episode together and leave viewers with a beautiful ending."

Photos: PBE Media, SBS Korea

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