On October 23, 2023, Korean News outlet Yonhap published a report announcing Jeon Somin’s departure from the variety show Running Man. Her sudden decision spread a current of concern among the fans who laughed and cried with her for the past six years. Read ahead to find out why she is leaving the show and what will it mean for Running Man.
Why is Jeon Somin leaving Running Man?
The 37-year-old actress’ abrupt departure from the popular variety show was confirmed with an official statement from her agency King Kong By Starship and SBS Entertainment. The statement highlighted the gratitude both the companies felt for the collaboration and shared the reason behind the decision.
https://twitter.com/exoguu/status/1716335828018823567?t=daavhEJYEWjtcto26LhUVw&s=19
As per King Kong by Starship, Jeon Somin decided to conclude her relationship with the show to rest and recharge for better performance in her future activities. This decision was taken after much contemplation and discussion among the production team and cast members.
SBS also confirmed this statement by adding that they tried to find a solution so she could continue with the show while also following her other ambitions but they respect her decision and wish her the best.
Both the firms appreciated the relationship Jeon Somin has formed with the show, cast members, and audience of Running Man over the past six years while wishing her the best in her future activities. The actress’s agency also added a positive note to the announcement by stating that Somin might return to the screen as an actress in the future.
don't be sad guys, jeon somin is on her way to make yoo jaesuk wish come true ❤️ saddened me a bit thinking she must've consult with jaesuk first before making such big decision pic.twitter.com/Y9oimOEiNi
— n/a (@jiwoomaam) October 23, 2023
This gives hope to the viewers that although she is departing from the show as a permanent member she can always guest feature while she is pursuing her other activities. This silver lining is helping the fans accept the bittersweet announcement.
How will Jeon Somin’s departure from Running Man impact the show?
Fans of the Running Man and Jeon Somin are devasted by the news of her discontinuing the show. She joined the cast members in 2017 and has since lighted the atmosphere with her fun personality and comic timing.
Jeon Somin leaving Running Man is gonna be another big hit on rm 😭 she literally established a place for herself there and it's gonna be really different with her role missing 😭 IM SO SAD TF
#runningman pic.twitter.com/M7jCmsvSoF— 김 (@soshirevelae) October 23, 2023
During these eventful six years, she has gained immense love and support from the fans. However, she also became a victim of hate comments. Regardless of which she continued to focus on making the show more entertaining with her presence and share laughter with the audience.
Her departure is definitely going to affect the show as Somin made her presence felt in each episode. Her fun banters with HAHA, synergy with Lee Jae-suk, and quick-witted antics became a regular feature of the show.
Therefore, Running Man is bound to face some changes without her. However, as SBS has stated she will always be a member of Running Man and her legacy of conversations, storyline, and ad-libs is going to continue to shine.
no more funny skits with haha and sechan, no more bickering with jaeseok and seokjin, no more mongdol moments, and no more cute little fights with jongkook. we will definitely miss you, our variety legend, jeon somin 🌟you've done well <3 pic.twitter.com/TTtg5j21a4
— ☆ (@4gyuhan) October 23, 2023
Jeon Somin will film her last episode of Running Man on October 30th. Following her departure, it will be interesting to see whether a new cast member joins the team similar to how Somin joined after the departure of Gary.
