'Running Man' cast member Kim Jong Kook praises Song Joong Ki for his growing popularity. (Photo : Youtube/KBS World TV)
In the light of Kang Gary's departure from "Running Man," it sparked speculations that the show is bringing back Hallyu star Song Joong Ki in the gang to rake in the ratings.
There is a possibility that South Korean broadcast network SBS is bringing back Song Joong Ki in its variety show "Running Man" to save it from being cancelled. The show's ratings dipped low, but due to its international fan base, the show is saved from being cancelled. Joong Ki was part of the main cast of the show when it started, but has to leave for his mandatory military service.
Although he has left the show, the actor is still close with the rest of the cast of "Running Man" and has made several guest appearances in the show. Song Joong Ki once developed a love line with fellow member Song Jihyo and they were dubbed as the Song-Song Couple. He is also the best friend of Lee Kwang Soo.
While bringing back Song Joong Ki in the show will catapult the ratings, it seems impossible to have him back because of several reasons. First, Song Joong Ki's talent fee is high because of his immense popularity.
The actor is currently busy with the production of his new movie "Battleship Island," which will premiere next year. Moreover, the hit drama "Descendants of the Sun" was confirmed to have a second season and Joong Ki will be shooting soon on top of his endorsements.
Meanwhile, Kang Gary announced that he is leaving "Running Man" in order to focus in his music. He thanked his fans for their support on his decision to leave the show and for their support for the last six years. His last filming will be on Oct. 31 and the show will continue without Kang Gary starting November. "Running Man" has undergone reformatting to keep up with the trend. The show is battling with KBS's "2 Days, 1 Night".
