An upcoming "Running Man" episode will feature the return of a beloved cast member. Gary is set to reunite with his former variety show co-stars in a special episode.
"Running Man" alum Gary will be making a special appearance in a fun-filled "Running Man" episode that will bring to life one of the cast members' avid wishes. Part of the SBS show's "Members Week" special, avid viewers already witnessed member-centric episodes for Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook and Ji Suk Jin.
A representative from the SBS show told local reporters that Gary's impending appearance in "Running Man" will feature a "dramatic twist" and a "great secret," Korea Herald quoted the representative as saying. Viewers can expect to see a dramatic unveiling and a heartwarming reunion of the show's original cast.
Moreover, it appears that the production team did not inform the cast members of the rapper's participation. In an attempt to surprise Song, Kim, Ji, as well as Yoo Jae Suk, Haha and Lee Kwang Soo, Gary's involvement in the upcoming episode was kept as a secret, according to the show's representative.
Gary's upcoming guest appearance will also serve as his second time to re-join his former "Running Man" co-stars after leaving the SBS show in November 2016. The Leesang rapper previously appeared in a December 2016 episode where he played a key role in the cast members' mission.
In other news, SBS recently debunked speculations that South Korean TV celebrity Kang Ho Dong will join the show. Following the network's announcement that "Running Man" will not be canceled, several reports indicated that the former "2 Days 1 Night" star will be added to the show's cast.
In a statement released by SBS, showrunners denied Kang's casting. Recently, the comedian's agency SM C&C also conveyed a similar message in an interview with local reporters.
An SM C&C official commented that Kang already declined to join "Running Man" in December 2016, shortly after the show's casting controversy became viral, Yonhap News quoted the agency's official as saying. The official added, "[We're] not sure why such talk is floating around."
The "Running Man" episode that will feature Gary's guest appearance will be aired on Jan. 29, Sunday, on SBS. Watch a preview clip from the upcoming episode below: