When Gary left SBS' "Running Man," many fans feared for the future of the Monday Couple. It appears that fans' worries have materialized as actress Song Ji Hyo is confirmed to leave "Running Man" as well. "Running Man" cast members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook will soon exit the show. A new season of the show is currently under discussion, with Kang Ho Dong being considered as a new cast member.
The actress' agency, MY Company, said that after a long discussion with the show's producers they have come to agree that it is already overwhelming for Song Ji Hyo to juggle between her acting promotions and "Running Man." As per allkpop, Song Ji Hyo plans to invest more time in her acting career after she leaves "Running Man."
Song Ji Hyo will star in the upcoming Chinese movie "Super Express" with Chen He. The actress is expected to depart for China to promote the film.
"For the time being, Song will spend more time away from Korea," an ssource told Korea Times. "Her fan meeting in China is one of those many events abroad." The said fan meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 20, 2017.
Kim Jong Kook, on the other hand, did not give a reason for his exit from "Running Man." According to his label, Maroo Entertainment, the exact date of his departure is not yet final.
Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's exit follows Gary's departure from "Running Man." The rapper, who is one-half of hip-hop duo Rissang, wanted to focus on his music career and studies. Rissang's latest album, "Unplugged," was released in 2012.
Gary was an original member of "Running Man" and was with the show for seven years. He is the second original cast member to leave the show. "Descendants of the Sun" actor Song Joong Ki was the first one to exit in 2011.
