"Running Man" is currently under fire as members Kim Jong Kook, Song Jihyo claimed that producers blind-sided them that they will no longer be included in the reformatting of the show.
According to new rumors surfacing online, it seems that the producers of the SBS variety program "fired" Kim Jong Kook and Son Jihyo in order to make way for an all-comedian cast. Learning from the success of MBC' "Infinity Challenge" and KBS' "2 Days, 1 Night," both shows have comedians as their main cast.
While Kim Jong Kook and Son Jihyo are the aces of games, they do not bring much of the laughs because of their serious image unlike the remaining cast Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Lee Kwangsoo, and Ji Suk Jin.
Reports emerged that producers tapped Kang Ho Dong to be a cast in the show. However, the MC declined due to the ongoing controversy. His agency said that he does not want his joining the show to affect him negatively. Moreover, Kang Ho Dong is close with Kim Jong Kook, Yoo Jae Suk, and Haha after the three worked on "X-Man". It is unknown who will replace the old cast.
Kim Jong Kook and Song Jihyo revealed that the cast of the show have been in talks with the producers for a possible reformat due to the poor ratings of the show. However, they were not informed that they will leave the show, until recently. It seems that Kang Gary's departure from the show in October has been a turning point for them. For almost seven years of being together, the seven members became really close with each other.
"Running Man" has undergone reformatting to keep up with the trend. The show has a huge following internationally, especially in China. However, despite its popularity abroad, the show suffers low ratings in South Korea in its timeslot. The show is battling with KBS's "2 Days, 1 Night".