Actress Jun So Min will be stepping down from SBS’s popular variety program “Running Man.”
On October 23, Jun So Min’s agency King Kong by Starship released the following official statement:
"Hello. This is King Kong by Starship.
Actress Jun So Min will be stepping down from SBS’s “Running Man” following her final recording on October 30 (Monday).
She went through great contemplation as it is a program that she has maintained a relationship with for a long time, and 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 including her acting [activities].
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 though “Running Man,” and we ask for your warm affection and support for Jun So Min going forward.
Thank you."
“Running Man” also released a statement regarding Jun So Min’s departure from the program:
"We decided to respect Jun So Min’s decision to leave after she expressed her intention to step down following lengthy discussion with the “Running Man” members and production team. Jun So Min will be leaving “Running Man” following the October 30 recording.
Although Jun 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 Jun 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.
We express our gratitude to Jun 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 Jun So Min who will forever be a member [of “Running Man”]."
Jun So Min joined “Running Man” in April 2017 along with member Yang Se Chan. Following Jun So Min’s final recording on October 30, “Running Member” will reportedly continue for the time being with six members including Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, HaHa, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan.
Wishing Jun So Min all the best in her future activities!
cr: Soompi