SBS Running Man controversy: Kang Ho Dong declines Season 2 offer; Kang Gary shuts down Instagram

Shortly after it was revealed that Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo were fired from Running Man without any prior warning, Kang Ho Dong announced his decision to refuse the offer to join Season 2 of the variety show. 

Running Man is bringing a lot of changes to its format, and Kang Ho Dong was expected to join the show early next year. But on Wednesday, his agency SM C&C released a statement saying he declined to be a part of the show in light of recent events.

"As we all saw being reported yesterday morning, it is true that Kang Ho Dong received a proposal to join SBS 'Running Man Season 2' and after much deliberation decided to accept," the statement read, according to Koreaboo.com. "However, with the series of events that have occurred since then (Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo being forcefully removed), we have realised that Kang Ho Dong's decision to join the show is currently an uncomfortable situation.

"We do not know all of the details of the situations, but we do not want the appearance of Kang Ho Dong to inconvenience any of the viewers for any reason. With that, we feel bad and are sorry, but will now politely decline this offer."

In other news, Kang Gary, who was part of Running Man for almost six years before departing from the show in October, has deleted all pictures on his Instagram page shortly after the Running Man controversy grabbed headlines. According to Koreaboo, this seems to be connected to Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook's firing from Running Man, as Gary is friends with both the stars. However, a statement is yet to be released by him or his agency.