Kang Ho-Dong has crossed off at least one of his rumored next project. The 46-year-old comedian recently confirmed he will not be joining the next season of the hit SBS variety show "Running Man."
On Dec. 15, Thursday, Kang's management agency, SM C&C, confirmed the news through a press statement released to different local media groups. They revealed the comedian has decided not to join the SBS show due to the controversy over Song Ji-Hyo and Kim Jong-Kook's departure.
"Kang had deliberated the proposal for a long time before he finally decided to accept it, but we reached a conclusion that other circumstances that came after his decision have put him in an uncomfortable situation," SM C&C said in a statement obtained by Yonhap News Agency. The agency added their apology for causing confusion to all the fans, viewers, and the SBS officials.
This comes days after it was reported that Song and Kim were actually forced out of the show without any heads up and that the sudden decision was reportedly made unilaterally by the producers. It is said that the two only found out they were ousted from the show after the news made headlines.
"Two weeks ago, we heard from 'Running Man' that the show would be reorganized with two cast members leaving," Ilgan Sports quoted a source from Song's agency MY Company as saying, as cited by Soompi. "We found out this morning that Song Ji Hyo would be one of the two leaving."
Kim's agency, Maroo Entertainment, then stated they were told about the actor leaving the show one-sidedly. They then stressed how unfortunate it was taken care of, knowing that it was a program Kim really cared for and participated in even though he was not in the best health condition. His last recording will take place on Dec. 19, it revealed.
Check out Kang in JTBC's "Knowing Bros" below: