Song Ji-hyo, Kim Jong-kook to donate ‘Running Man’ fees to charity

SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) — Actress Song Ji-hyo and singer Kim Jong-kook, whose sudden departures from the variety show “Running Man” created a controversy last week, will donate the rest of their appearance fees to charity, their agencies said Monday.

Song and Kim, among the original cast members of the SBS TV show, were reported last week to be leaving the program after seven years. It later emerged, however, that the broadcaster had not informed them of their departures in advance, which triggered widespread backlash among the show’s viewers.

Kang Ho-dong, a popular show host who had been scheduled to join the program’s new season in January, reversed his decision a day later amid the controversy.

Under pressure, SBS announced Friday it would cancel the show completely in February.

“Song Ji-hyo and Kim Jong-kook have agreed to put together the appearance fees they will receive between next week and the end of the program in February, and use them for society,” an official at Song’s agency said. “Discussions are still under way about when and how this will take place.”

An official at Kim’s agency confirmed the plan, saying the two cast members had agreed to use their fees “for good” in consideration of last week’s events.

These photos show Kim Jong-kook (L) and Song Ji-hyo.