Following news of Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo's official leave from 'Running Man', both stars' agencies have confirmed they were blind-sided by the hit variety show's producers.
Though the actress' agency MY Company and the singer's label Maroo Entertainment did not allude to the fact that they were essentially forced out of the show in previous reports, they've now confirmed neither were given a proper notice. On December 14, reports revealed, "Two weeks ago, there were talks of a format change, and a co-producer visited the filming set to announce it again. There were no talks of member changes at the time. On December 12, they had a meeting with Kim Jong Kook to tell him he was off the show. Song Ji Hyo only found out after the news made headlines. Everyone did know a change would happen as the ratings were dropping, but this type of farewell not only hurts the producers but the featured stars as well."
Song Ji Hyo's agency stated, "We knew 'Running Man' would undergo format changes from SBS, but it's true we found out from news reports which members would not return. We won't comment on Song Ji Hyo's feelings on the matter." Kim Jong Kook's label also commented, "It's true he was told he was leaving with no decision about the matter. It's disappointing. He featured in the show despite his health issues because he cared about it so much."
On the new reports, producers of SBS' 'Running Man' said, "We can't confirm anything related to their leave."
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Though the actress' agency MY Company and the singer's label Maroo Entertainment did not allude to the fact that they were essentially forced out of the show in previous reports, they've now confirmed neither were given a proper notice. On December 14, reports revealed, "Two weeks ago, there were talks of a format change, and a co-producer visited the filming set to announce it again. There were no talks of member changes at the time. On December 12, they had a meeting with Kim Jong Kook to tell him he was off the show. Song Ji Hyo only found out after the news made headlines. Everyone did know a change would happen as the ratings were dropping, but this type of farewell not only hurts the producers but the featured stars as well."
Song Ji Hyo's agency stated, "We knew 'Running Man' would undergo format changes from SBS, but it's true we found out from news reports which members would not return. We won't comment on Song Ji Hyo's feelings on the matter." Kim Jong Kook's label also commented, "It's true he was told he was leaving with no decision about the matter. It's disappointing. He featured in the show despite his health issues because he cared about it so much."
On the new reports, producers of SBS' 'Running Man' said, "We can't confirm anything related to their leave."
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