Running Man stars Song Ji-Hyo and Kim Jong Kook to leave show after 6 years

UPDATE: Running Man stars Song Ji-Hyo and Kim Jong Kook were reportedly booted out of the show, without any prior notice.

Several Korean media outlets reported that the two stars were "blindsided" and may not have been as involved in discussions about their departure from the show.

According to online news site Koreaboo, Song's agency has since released a statement addressing the issue, adding that "it is true there was a lack of active communication from the production crew in the steps leading up to (Song) leaving the show."

Kim's agency also announced that reports of the singer "leaving the show one-sidedly" were also true and that the situation is "regrettable".

And in the latest revelation from this ongoing saga, Kang Ho Dong has also announced through his agency that he will no longer be joining the Running Man cast, entertainment site Allkpop reported. His management said: "We don't know all the details of the situation, but Kang Ho Dong doesn't want his casting to cause viewers any discomfort."

Kim's last day of filming is slated for Monday (Dec 19).

Popular Korean variety show Running Man is about to lose two more cast members.

Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook are officially leaving the hit show, according to various media reports.

Both stars, affectionately termed as 'Spartace' by fans because of their great teamwork on the show, have issued official statements through their respective agencies regarding their departure.

Song's agency revealed that the actress had been in discussions with show producers "for a long time" with regard to her decision to leave the show in order to focus on her acting career, K-pop website Soompi reported.

Fans of Kim could be in for a shock because his Running Man filming schedule is rumoured to last only till next week. Online news site Koreaboo reported that his last date of filming is set for Dec 19.

Kim's agency did not comment on this. However, it announced that he is indeed leaving the show.

An official statement from his management confirmed that Kim, who is part of popular 90s Korean pop band Turbo, will continue to work on the band's future activities as well as his solo music.

The two long-time cast members are the latest to leave the show, following fellow member Gary who quit in October after six years.

Remaining on the show are members Lee Kwang Soo, Ji Suk Jin, Ha Ha and Yoo Jae Suk.

Over the years, both the show and its stellar cast have gained fans all over Asia and even the Middle East with several episodes filmed abroad in countries such as Australia, Shanghai, Vietnam and Dubai.

While Running Man has aired without any programme changes since its ignition, the variety show is reportedly set to undergo changes in the overall format with the addition of new cast members.

Veteran Korean emcee Kang Ho Dong might also be joining the programme. If this is true, it will mark the return of Kang and Running Man favourite Yoo as co-hosts since their last project X-Man back in 2006.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg