'Running Man' Producers Shamefaced Over Song Ji Hyo And Kim Jong Kook Cancellation Controversy; Show Still Continues
"Running Man" producers admitted Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook were blindsided over their cancellation but insisted the variety show will continue running.
The SBS producers behind the longest-running South Korean variety show have finally broken their silence over the current controversy involving the cancellation of two of its original cast members.
They acknowledged that the shakeup was geared toward "Running Man Season 2" beginning January 2017. More importantly, they owned up to the perceived slight and expressed shame over the matter.
The production crew publicly apologized Thursday to the show's fans and cast members, particularly to actress Song Ji Hyo and singer Kim Jong Kook, according to allkpop.
The official apology said:
"During this process, reports of the reorganization involving Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo unexpectedly made the news when we didn't fully communicate with the 'Running Man' members. We ended up hurting Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo, who were like family for the past 7 years. For that, we sincerely apologize to them.
The 'Running Man' producers also feel ashamed in front of the viewers, who've loved 'Running Man' for so long."
Speculations that the show might also be cancelled erupted after veteran TV host and comedian Kang Ho Dong decided not to joint "Running Man Season 2." He was supposed to replace the two stars and reunite with his former "X-Man" co-host Yoo Jae Suk.
This prompted the showrunners to also speak out on the issue.
"The reports about the show coming to an end are completely false. Currently, we are in discussion about the subsequent program," stated the producers, as reported by allkpop.
"Running Man" ex-member and rapper Kang Gary, who quit the show only in October, deleted Wednesday all his 88 photos and videos in Instagram. He also unfollowed all the 145 people he had been following. This happened only a few hours after Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook confirmed they were soon to exit the variety show after six years.
