Kang Ho Dong Declines “Running Man” After Song Ji Hyo And Kim Jong Kook’s Controversial Exit
Kang Ho Dong has officially rejected the offer to join "Running Man." This decision came after reports of Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's controversial exit made headlines in numerous media outlets.
Kang Ho Dong's agency SM C&C has released an official statement regarding the matter. They confirmed that the comedian did receive an offer to join the purported season 2 of the show. However, after having known the controversy between "Running Man's" production team and members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook exiting the show, Kang Ho Dong has ultimately declined taking part in the show.
"As it was reported yesterday, Kang Ho Dong was given an offer for SBS 'Running Man Season 2', and he did make the decision to join after giving it a deep thought," SM C&C stated, as per AllKpop. "However, we found out that Kang Ho Dong's decision has become uncomfortable due to various situations. As a result, we are here to officially announce our stance."
SM C&C stated that while their side is not fully aware of the situation between "Running Man's" producers and the show's members, Kang Ho Dong's final decision to say no to the show is to avoid causing viewers to feel uncomfortable.
"With that in mind, we feel hurt and sorry, but will politely decline the offer," SM C&C stated. "We apologize for creating complications to the loving fans of "Running Man," the producers, and SBS associates who made the offer. We apologize."
Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's respective agencies have announced the artists' decision to exit the show. Later, MY Company and Maroo Entertainment revealed that their artists' were actually blind-sided by the "Running Man" producers.
"Two weeks ago, there were talks of a format change, and a co-producer visited the filming set to announce it again," Kim Jong Kook's agency Maroo Entertainment stated. "There were no talks of member changes at the time. On December 12, they had a meeting with Kim Jong Kook to tell him he was off the show."
MY Company also revealed that Song Ji Hyo knew there would be format changes in "Running Man," but that the actress only knew she was out of the show through recent headlines.
As such, "Running Man" season 2 will have to find new members to proceed after canceling two original members and with Kang Ho Dong opting out from the variety show.
