"Running Man" showrunners are currently facing several controversies following the shocking exit of Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook. With various reports hinting of the variety program's impending cancellation, SBS called for an emergency meeting with the show's cast members.
News of Song and Kim's impending departure from "Running Man" shocked many fans given the way that SBS handled the two South Korean celebrities' exit. Several reports claimed that the two cast members were blindsided with SBS' decision to let them go.
Kim only received notice of his impending exit through a phone conversation while Song learned of her departure from "Running Man" through news headlines. Given the way that the two stars were advised of their removal from the variety series, many fans became angry on the insensitive way that SBS handled the situation.
Song and Kim's fellow cast members Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Haha and Lee Kwang Soo have remained silent about the issue. However, the controversial exit of their fellow cast members was said to have shocked and disappointed the four South Korean celebrities.
With the various rumors surrounding "Running Man," SBS set up an emergency meeting with the show's cast members on Dec. 16, Friday. An SBS representative told Korean news outlet Asiae that the show's cast, including outgoing members Song and Kim, and the "Running Man" producing director have entered discussions to identify the best way to address the many controversies.
However, the show's future direction and new format have yet to be finalized. Rumors about the variety program's potential cancellation are also untrue, according to the SBS representative.
In other news, "Running Man" showrunners recently apologized to Song and Kim for failing to manage the communication and exit plan for the two South Korean stars. In a statement, as obtained by All Kpop, producers expressed their remorse over the situation and conveyed their apologies to the two cast members, including the show's avid viewers.
Meanwhile, former cast member Gary showed his support for Song and Kim through a touching Instagram message. Uploading a photo of himself with the two stars, he praised both celebrities for their hard work as "Running Man" members for over six years.
“Running Man” debuted on July 2010. Watch a clip of some of the funny moments from the SBS variety program below: