Yesterday, a post emerged on Korean forum calling for Song Ji Hyo to proactively depart from "Running Man" if she has a conscience, alleging her lack of contribution and even branding her a negative influence on the show.
Netizens pointed out, "Has any entertainer received more favoritism than Song Ji Hyo up to now? How many episodes have showcased Song Ji Hyo's active participation in the past five years? I believe there haven't even been five episodes. But do the members not support her? No, Song Ji Hyo receives more support than anyone else."
In the past, there have been many instances where Song Ji Hyo was given opportunities to shine, even including a love line with Kim Jong Kook that faded away because she couldn't revive it. Whenever Song Ji Hyo delivers her lines, the members go to great lengths to exaggerate their reactions and support her, more than anyone else. They would say things like, "Ji Hyo, your lines are excellent" or "Ji Hyo has been really hilarious lately," all in an effort to assist Song Ji Hyo.
After Lee Kwang Soo's departure, it seemed like Song Ji Hyo had to cling to Kim Jong Kook to stay relevant, but later on, she showed a lack of enthusiasm, to the extent that even fans commented that Song Ji Hyo only needed to answer a single question.
Netizens pointed out that the "Running Man" members, such as Yoo Jae Suk and Kim Jong Kook, have busier schedules than Song Ji Hyo. They proposed that reallocating her earnings could be beneficial for improving the show's production value or increasing the wages of the writers, potentially boosting the program's success.
They also suggested, "Alternatively, Song Ji Hyo could embrace her role as the 'variety screen' like Jung Hyung Don in 'Infinite Challenge,' Kim Ryeo Wook in 'Knowing Bros,' or Lee Sang Yeob in 'The Sixth Sense,' and make it a source of humor. It would be satisfying when occasionally Yoo Jae Suk and Kim Jong Kook ask her, 'Ji Hyo, say something,' in jest."
Recently, when aespa member Ningning expressed her fondness for Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook responded with a stern face, saying, "Why do you like Ji Hyo? She doesn't have many lines on 'Running Man'." Netizens pointed out that just by observing these comments, it is evident, and they criticized Song Ji Hyo for spending more personal time than other members. They also mentioned recent comments on YouTube expressing a desire for her to leave the show. If she doesn't want to quit, they requested her to show more effort.
