Jeon So-min. Image: Instagram/@jsomin86
South Korean actress Jeon So-min is stepping down from the variety show “Running Man” after being a cast member for six years, her agency King Kong by Starship confirmed on Monday, Oct. 23.
In an official statement via Korean media outlet XPortNews, King Kong by Starship announced Jeon’s departure from the variety show after “great contemplation,” and that her final filming date is scheduled on Oct. 30.
“After long discussion with the ‘Running Man’ members and production team as well as the agency, we decided that she needs some time to recharge in order to impress even further through future activities,” her label said, according to a Soompi translation.
The actress’ agency hoped that fans would nonetheless show their support despite her departure, as it expressed its gratitude for “crying and laughing” with her.
“We sincerely express our gratitude to viewers who ran together while crying and laughing with Jun So Min every weekend for six years since April 2017,” King Kong by Starship said. “We ask for your warm affection and support for Jun So Min going forward.”
The producers of “Running Man” then responded to the reports on the same day, saying it “respects” Jeon’s “decision” to leave the show. “Although Jeon So-min ran together with ‘Running Man’ for the past six years with exceptional affection and sense of responsibility, she recently conveyed her intention that she needs the time to recharge for her acting activities.”
“Although the members and production team discussed long-term with Jeon So-min to find a way to stay together until the end, we respected Jun So Min’s wishes and decided on a sad farewell,” the show continued, per a Soompi translation.
The show’s producers also thanked the actress for making “Running Man” shine brighter” while asking for the fans’ “warm support and encouragement.”
“We express our gratitude to Jen So Min who made the program shine brighter as a member of ‘Running Man’ for a long time. We ask for warm support and encouragement from all the viewers for Jun So Min who made a difficult decision. The ‘Running Man’ members and production team will support Jeon So-min who will forever be a member,” the statement read.
So-min, along with actor-comedian Yang Se-chan, joined the cast of “Running Man” in April 2017.
Following the actress’ departure, the cast will consist of Yang, Song Ji-hyo, Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Seok-jin, HaHa and Kim Jong-kuk, per Korean media. /ra