Viewers and fans who cannot get enough of Kim Jong-kook and HaHa are in luck. It was revealed that both would be teaming up for a new variety show.
As noted by website Soompi, 'Running Man' members Kim Jong-kook and HaHa will be co-Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) of a new variety show, with Producing Director (PD) Yeo Woon-hyuk, reports on August 25 revealed.
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"PD Yeo Woon-hyuk is in charge of a variety show featuring Kim Jong Kook and HaHa. The detailed plans have not been confirmed yet. It will start airing in mid-September through Naver TV," a source from Mystic Entertainment, a South Korean record label and talent agency founded by singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin, said. S.M. Entertainment acquired this agency in March this year.
This isn't the first time that two 'Running Man' members have been part of other television shows. Yoo Jae-suk and HaHa are also co-hosts of MBC's reality television show 'Infinite Challenge.' HaHa has also been part of the other variety shows as a MC or in a guest capacity. Haha has also received the award of "Best Entertainer" at the 2011 SBS Entertainment Awards, for 'Running Man.'
In May of this year, HaHa ran into trouble for inappropriate behaviour in one episode of 'Running Man;' which also put the SBS variety show under the scanner for having violated broadcast regulations. Actor Choi Min-young had appeared as a guest on the show and had to wrestle with HaHa. The latter grabbed Min-young's crotch and didn't let go until the actor pried his hands loose. Choi Min-young was seen breaking down in tears, most likely from pain.
Kim Jong-kook, apart from having his music career and being a permanent member of 'Running Man,' he's also been a part of the main cast of many variety shows, from SBS's 'X-Man,' SBS's 'Family Outing,' KBS's 'Escape Crisis No.1' to JTBC's 'Everybody,' KBS's 'Talents for Sale' and Mnet's musical competition show 'I Can See Your Voice,' among others.
Jong-kook and Song Ji-hyo were unceremoniously removed from 'Running Man' by PD Gong Hee-chul. Immense public backlash led to the two being brought back and the show cancelled. However, fans wanted the show continued, so 'Running man' was eventually renewed and two new permanent members, Yang Se-chan and Jeon So-min were added. Kim Jong-kook was also criticised for making a sexist remark about women in one episode in May, this year.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong-kook recently lend support to new K-pop group Wanna One, saying he got their back in case anyone bullied the singers, Soompi noted.
