Despite being mired in controversies recently, "Running Man" will push through with their scheduled fan meeting tour from January to March next year.
According to Allkpop, the "Running Man" members will visit two cities each month to hold a fan meeting event to reach out to their Asian fans. The popular variety show refused to change the schedule even in the face of controversies surrounding Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's sudden departure from the show.
However, it was confirmed that Gary and Yoo Jae Suk will not take part in the fan meeting tour. "All members except Gary and Yoo Jae Suk will be attending the fan meeting. The contract for the fan meeting has been confirmed ahead of time," the producers said.
Gary bowed out from "Running Man" in October to pursue his music career, while Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's exit was announced just last week. The sudden departure of the latter surprised the followers of the variety show.
Reports claimed the decision was made by the production, reportedly informing the two at the last minute. A source affiliated with Song Ji Hyo's label said as cited by Soompi, "Two weeks ago, we heard from "Running Man" that the show would be reorganized with two cast members leaving. We found out this morning that Song Ji Hyo would be one of the two leaving."
Another source claimed the actress-model learned about her departure through the media. However, the source refused to give comment on the reaction of Song Ji Hyo upon knowing the matter.
On the other hand, Kim Jong Kook took no offense on the decision of the "Running Man" production; however he was disappointed that the matter was done clumsily. Meanwhile, "Running Man" is confirmed to end in February with all six current cast members.
