“Running Man” production team released an official statement after some cast members were tested positive to the virus
A series of Covid-19 confirmed cases broke out for the first time in the history of SBS’s “Running Man”.
“Running Man” fans are worrying about the health condition of the cast members who were confirmed “positive” to Covid-19. They are also wondering if there would be a disruption in the show broadcasts.
On February 10th, the news of Kim Jong-kook, a “Running Man” member, was reportedly confirmed to have been infected with Covid-19. Kim Jong-kook’s agency revealed an official statement on February 10th, saying, “Kim Jong-kook developed mild cold symptoms on Feb 9th and was tested ‘positive’ after conducting a self-diagnosis kit test in advance. After that, Kim Jong-kook went through a PCR test and was finally confirmed to be infected today (Feb 10th).”
The agency added, “Kim Jong-kook has completed his second vaccination and is currently in a good health condition. All of his schedules have been temporarily suspended and necessary measures are being taken in accordance with the quarantine authorities’ guidelines.”
The worse thing was that the news of entertainer Ji Seok-jin and comedian Yang Se-chan, who are also “Running Man” members, being confirmed ‘positive’ to the virus was also reported on the same day. “Running Man” also announced its position on this Covid-19 incident. Statements related to the show’s recordings have also been revealed.
On February 10th, an official from “Running Man” production team told the Hankook Ilbo, “The show recording took place last Monday (Feb 7th). At that time, all members, including Kim Jong-kook, were tested ‘negative’ through self-diagnosis kit tests and filmed the show with no problems.”
They added, “It is believed that Kim Jong-kook was infected after the recording on Wednesday (Feb 9th) when he felt abnormal symptoms in his body and was tested ‘positive’ with self-diagnosis kit on the same day. Therefore, there is no matter related to close contact with staff and cast of ‘Running Man’, which was recorded before Kim Jong-kook’s ‘positive’ confirmation.”
They continued to explain, “As ‘Running Man’’s new episode was originally scheduled to be canceled this Sunday (Feb 13th) due to the Beijing Winter Olympics broadcasts, there is no big problem with the show broadcast schedule. No recording is planned on Feb 14th (Monday), so there would be no changes in the broadcast production schedule because of Kim Jong-kook’s ‘positive’ confirmation”. Although some cast members have been confirmed of being infected with the virus, the production crew said that they would continue recording and broadcasting the program as scheduled in the future.
Covid-19 test results of the remaining “Running Man” members, Yoo Jae-seok, Ha Ha, Song Ji-hyo, and Jeon So-min, were also released. It was reported on February 10th that Yoo Jae-seok, Ha Ha, Song Ji-hyo and Jeon So-min were all tested ‘negative’ through Covid-19 self-diagnosis kit tests. Therefore, they didn’t have to do PCR test.
