Song Ji Hyo’s ‘Monday Couple’ Partner Gary Wants To Return To ‘Running Man?’ Rapper Reveals Apprehensions After Leaving SBS Show

Avid "Running Man" fans were saddened when Gary, one of the SBS variety program's original cast members, left the show. Recently, Song Ji Hyo's former co-star shared his thoughts about leaving the show to pursue his music career.

The South Korean rapper gave a candid interview with Chinese news outlet Sina Entertainment, as cited by Soompi, where Gary talked about his apprehensions in leaving "Running Man." He admitted that was worried that fans will take his departure negatively.

Gary mentioned that he constantly thought about his decision after exiting the variety show. The musician was a part of "Running Man" since its first episode and formed a strong bond with cast members Song, Lee Kwang Soo, Haha, Kim Jong Kook, Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Jin.

Despite initial apprehensions, the rapper and songwriter revealed that some of his worries disappeared when his loyal followers sent him encouraging messages. He stated, "I was really grateful [for the fans' support.] I'm going to work harder to make music and communicate with my fans."

Gary left the SBS show in November 2016, a move that shocked many fans including his "Running Man" co-stars. Song was even teary-eyed during the "Gary Special" which marked the South Korean rapper's official last day on the SBS variety program.

Known as the "Monday Couple," Song and Gary were teased as the said show's romantic pair in the early seasons of the program. The two celebrities also had a unique partnership and strong teamwork during moments when they were tasked to work together.

Meanwhile, Gary already appeared as a guest on the SBS variety program. He even joined his former cast members in the Taiwan leg of the show's "Running Man" fan meeting tour, according to Korea Herald.

Held on Feb. 10, Friday, Gary thrilled local fans when he appeared on stage as a special performer. However, it is unclear if the rapper will join the remaining tour stops of the "Running Man" 2017 fan meeting series.