Kang Ho Dong declines Running Man offer after Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo controversy

Kang Ho Dong has just confirmed his position regarding his possible appearance on the second season of Running Man. 

SBS confirmed that they were in the process of changing the format and concept of Running Man for its second season early next year. The change resulted in original cast members, Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo, being kicked off the show.

After it was found that Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo were belatedly informed of their leave,  many were outraged that SBS hadn’t shown the long-time members their due respect.

With the two cast members out, there were speculations that Kang Ho Dong was at the front or the line for selection. Kang Ho Dong’s involvement would have been his first project with Yoo Jae Suk for ten years.

In light of the speculations, SM C&C, Kang Ho Dong’s agency released the following statement confirming their official stance.

Hello this is Kang Ho Dong’s agency SM C&C.

As we all saw being reported yesterday morning, it is true that Kang Ho Dong received a proposal to join SBS ‘Running Man Season 2’ and after much deliberation decided to accept. However, with the series of events that have occurred since then (Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo being forcefully removed), we have realized that Kang Ho Dong’s decision to join the show is currently an uncomfortable situation. We would like to tell you all the position of the agency.

We do not know all of the details of the situations, but we do not want the appearance of Kang Ho Dong to inconvenience any of the viewers for any reason. With that, we feel bad and are sorry, but will now politely decline this offer.

To all the fans who love Running Man, and to all of the officials at SBS who helped make this offer, we apologize for creating confusion and bow our heads in apology. We are sorry.

Source: TVReport