Korean actress Jeon So-min will be leaving the variety show “Running Man” after more than six years to focus on acting.
“Running Man” premiered in July 2010 and has been on air for more than 13 years. Jeon So-min joined the cast of “Running Man” in April 2017.
The stars of the Korean variety show "Running Man" (Instagram)
Korean actress Jeon So-min (Instagram)
According to her agency, King Kong by Starship, Jeon So-min will record her final episode of “Running Man” on Oct. 30.
In a statement released to the Korean media, King Kong by Starship said, “We would like to inform you that actress Jeon So-min will be leaving SBS' 'Running Man' after the final recording on Monday, October 30.”
“Because it is a program that she has a long-term relationship, we put a lot of thought into it, and after a long discussion with the 'Running Man' members, production team, and agency, she decided that she needed some time to recharge so that she could show a better side of herself in future activities, including acting,” the agency said.
It added, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many viewers who have cried, laughed, and run with Jeon So-min on 'Running Man' every weekend for the past six years since April 2017. We ask for your continued warm affection and support for Jeon So-min.”
The "Running Man" cast at their fan meeting in Manila last April (Jonathan Hicap)
The production team of “Running Man” also released a statement, saying, “After a long discussion, the 'Running Man' members and production team decided to respect the opinion of Jeon So-min, who announced her intention to leave the show. Accordingly, Jeon So-min will be leaving 'Running Man' after recording on October 30.”
“Jeon So-min ran with 'Running Man' for about six years with extraordinary affection and responsibility, but recently expressed her intention that she needs time to recharge for her acting career,” it said.
It added, “Accordingly, the members and production team discussed for a long time how to be with Jeon So-min until the end, but out of respect for Jeon So-min's wishes, they made the unfortunate decision to part ways.”
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Jeon So-min, who has brightened the program as a member of 'Running Man' for a long time, and we ask for viewers' warm support and encouragement to Jeon So-min, who has made a difficult decision. ‘Running Man’ members and production team will support ‘eternal member’ Jeon So-min,” it said.
The cast of “Running Man” held a fan meeting in Manila last April.