It’s been three months since Jeon So-min withdrew from the main cast of “Running Man” after six years on November 12th last year, but the program has not decided on a new member to replace her. “Running Man” has continued filming new episodes with only six members.
In the meantime, Kim Jong-kook’s efforts to recruit new members are arousing keen attention.
On February 8th, Kim Jong-kook uploaded a new video on his YouTube channel “GYM JONGKOOK” . The video features the New Year gathering of Cha Tae-hyun, Jang Hyuk, Hong Kyung-in, Hong Kyung-min and Kang Hoon.
In the video, Kim Jong-kook told Kang Hoon, “You said you’re taking a break, right? There’s a vacancy on ‘Running Man’, come and join us. It’s not like I’m asking you to become a fixed member. You can join us to build up viewers’ awareness then you can join whenever you want later. Please become our guest” .
Surprised by the sudden request, Kang Hoon replied, “I can’t join anytime I want. If ‘Running Man’ invites me, I’ll definitely appear” . Kim Jong-kook asked, “Should I talk to the production team?” . Kang Hoon cautiously said, “Let’s talk about this later. I can’t go there just because I want to do it.” Kim Jong-kook continued, “I’m not telling you to become a fixed member. You can come to join a few episodes and play the role of a fixed member for a while then leave. Do you have anyone to recommend?” .
The idea of recruiting a temporary member to fill Jeon So-min’s vacancy was proposed in December last year. On the December 10th broadcast, Ji Seok-jin said, “Jong-kook came up with a very good idea. You can join us then leave after 6 months” . Kim Jong-kook added, “It’s okay to spend a short time building recognition” . Yoo Jae-suk also shared, “We need to change according to the times.”
On February 2nd, Kim Jong-kook even gathered “Running Man” PDS to film a “GYM JONGKOOK” video in which they exchanged opinions about recruiting new members. Revealing that he’s trying to look for a new member, Kim Jong-kook said, “I think we can have temporary members. It’s too tiring if we keep sticking to the old system.”
PD Choi Hyung-in said, “Recruiting idols is a good idea. They just need to get along well with the members” , adding “I don’t think age matters because everyone is young in their thoughts” . Kim Jong-kook emphasized, “We are always like that. We care much about each other’s personality. It doesn’t mean we never cause accidents, but we’ve been active for a long time and we’re a team that values morality” .
As Kim Jong-kook and the production team are worrying about filling the vacancy, attention is focused on who will join “Running Man” as the new member.
Source: Daum