Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo fired from Running Man?

Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo were reportedly fired from variety show Running Man, and they were let go without any warning, say reports. 

Earlier reports gave the impression that both Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo made the decision to part ways from the show, which is set to feature a new format in 2017. Both of them are busy with projects outside of Running Man, and their decision to leave the show did not raise eyebrows. But new reports claim that they were caught off-guard when it was suggested they quit the show.

Song Ji Hyo did not know about being fired from the show until it made headlines, according to Koreaboo.com. 

"We knew Running Man would go through changes from SBS but it is true that we only found out from news reports which members would not be invited back," Song Ji Hyo's agency revealed in a statement quoted by Koreaboo.com. "We do not want to comment on Song Ji Hyo's feelings but it is not our official stance that it was not a good farewell."

Kim Jong Kook's agency too echoed similar statements, saying: "It is true that we were told about Kim Jong Kook leaving the show one-sidedly. It is regrettable. Even though Kim Jongkook was not in the best health condition, it was a program he really cared for and took part in."

Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo aren't the only ones who have bid adieu to the show. In October, Kang Gary decided to leave the show to focus on his music. He was reportedly finding it difficult to concentrate on his music as well as the variety show. Kang Gary's last recording for Running Man was on October 31.