'Running Man' is a long-running SBS variety program in South Korea. (Photo : YouTube/SBS Running Man)
According to the latest reports, "Running Man" is set to end in February 2017. Song Jihyo and Kim Jongkook are expected to rejoin the cast until the show reaches its closing stages.
These unexpected turn of events happened after "Running Man" fandom expressed its anger over SBS's decision to eliminate Jihyo and Jongkook from the cast. What followed was an online uproar among fans, which further triggered SBS to rethink about its decision.
After the hullabaloo, "Running Man's" producers and cast gathered on Dec.16, Friday, in Seoul for an emergency meeting to resolve the crisis. That is when they settled their differences and agreed on a verdict.
It is said that the meeting between the two parties was lengthy and deep and that they decided not to end the show on such a sad note. They also decided to include all the six members of the cast in the show till its last episode.
Prior to the emergency meeting, reports claim that "Running Man" cast had earlier organized another secret meeting to discuss on how they would leave the show together. Although it is not clear if it happened, the departure of Jihyo and Jongkook was the main bone of contention.
Earlier on, "Running Man" had apologized to the two actors. The exact message from the television network was that it never knew that their decision to leave the cast had not been mutual.
"Running Man" crew had revealed through the official SBS blog that there was a miscommunication regarding the unveiling of the show's forthcoming second season at the beginning of 2017. That is when it proceeded to issue an apology to the cast, and particularly to the two long-time actors.
"With the news of the unexpected reorganization being released, we hurt both Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook, two members who we have treated like family for the past seven years," the "Running Man" statement reads. "In regards to that aspect, we would like to sincerely apologize to both of them."
"Running Man" further expressed regret over its lack of consideration and reflection towards the situation and directed its admission of guilt towards all members of the cast. According to My Daily, Jihyo and Jongkook had not been informed of their exit from the show until the last moments.
Jihyo reportedly was only notified that "Running Man" was set to undergo changes. She then learned later of her departure after news reports started streaming to the public.
Also, Jungkook's agency reportedly only came to learn of the impending changes to "Running Man" a fortnight ago. But as far as updates from the show were concerned, he only got the information about his exit on Dec. 12.
Apparently, "Running Man" has had a big shake up this year. It all started when Gary announced that he was about to leave the show, and now it appears that more adjustments are happening. The good news is that Jihyo and Jongkook are back and "Running Man"cast is as complete as the fan base wants it.
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