Running Man actress Jeon So-min quits long-running variety show, agency issues statement

Jeon So-min announced her departure from the famous variety show Running Man on Monday. King Kong by Starship, the actress’ agency, said today in a statement that she would be quitting the show after six years as a primary cast member. On October 30, she will tape her final episode of Running Man.

Jeon So-min to take time off work 

King Kong's statement added that the decision was taken after "great contemplation" and a "long discussion" with Running Man members and production crew. The agency also thanked viewers for their support to So-min over her six years on the show and asked for their continuing support in her other endeavours. 

The statement read, “We decided that she needs some time to recharge in order to impress even further through future activities including her acting. We sincerely express our gratitude to viewers who ran together while crying and laughing with Jeon So-min every weekend for six years since April 2017 through Running Man. We ask for your warm affection and support for Jeon So-min going forward.”

Jeon So-min’s turbulent time on Running Man 

Jeon So-min's time on Running Man was distinguished by a battle with hateful comments and personal attacks from viewers, which had tormented her since she first appeared on the show in April 2017. These remarks spread to the official 'Running Man' YouTube channel, where several viewers begged that she be removed from the show. 

As a result of the frequent nasty comments, including indiscriminate swearing, excessive defamation and impersonation, the production team was forced to take the severe decision of deleting the viewer's bulletin board from its website in 2020.

In a disturbing turn of events, Jeon So-min's younger brother, fitness model Jeon Wook-min, detailed some of the derogatory messages he received from online trolls. These texts contained threats and curses, reflecting the level of hatred directed against Jeon So-min. 

Following the departure of So-min, the cast will consist of six members: Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo and Se-chan. Running Man is one of South Korea's most popular variety shows, which started back in 2010 and has premiered more than 600 episodes.