Kim Jong-kook
On December 14, 2016, it was announced that Kim Jong-kook and Song Ji-hyo were leaving the show, as a new season with a new format starring the remaining cast members and new member Kang Ho-dong would air in January 2017. Initial reception was mixed. However, it was revealed that Song Ji-hyo and Kim Jong-kook were not given any notice about their removal, resulting in an overwhelming negative reaction. In addition, news of Kang Ho-dong refusing the offer to join the new season resulted in a possible cancellation of Season 2 of "Running Man".