"Running Man" cancelled rumors are rife online after MC Kang Ho Dong reportedly declined the offer to join the show after main cast Kim Jong Kook and Song Jihyo left the show.
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.
However, there are rumors that Kang Ho Dong declined the offer of the long-time running variety program because of Yoo Jae Suk. While the two used to work together in a variety program, they have become rivals and often pitted against each other.
While the two remained good relationship with each other, they bring out the best from each other when they are competing against each other.
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".