South Korean television game show Running Man was due to end in February but thanks to Kim Jong-Kook, the show has been uncancelled.
Despite being the strongest member on the Running Man team, Kim Jong-Kook was removed from the variety television show along with Song Ji-hyo before being brought back after fan backlash.
Network SBS had announced that Running Man would no longer be airing by February 2017, citing a controversy between Kim Jong-Kook and Song Ji Hyo.
However, one month after the news, the show was uncancelled. In an announcement from the director of SBS and creator of Running Man Nam Seung Yong, it was confirmed that all 6 members will be returning.
Yong revealed that if it were not for Kim Jong-Kook, the show would have ended. The director said that Kim Jong-Kook was the first person he discussed the show’s fate. The director asked Jong-Kook, “can we stay together?”
Kim Jong-Kook eventually accepted the offer and met the other members of Running Man, convincing them to stay with the show.
Koreaboo reports that Kim Jong-Kook decided to stay with the show because of the love of his fans, despite receiving rough treatment from SBS.
An insider reportedly said, “Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo were deeply hurt. The reason they made such a big decision despite this fact is that they wanted to repay the love of ‘Running Man’ fans all over the world. They will continue to record for Running Man and carry out their Asian Tour without much trouble.”
The next episode of Running Man airs on 5 February.
