Why Did Song Joong Ki Leave Running Man
Ah, Running Man! The show that turned chasing each other into high art. And Song Joong Ki, the flower boy who was briefly part of the chaos. But then… poof! He vanished. Why the sudden exit? Let's dive in, shall we?
From Flower Boy to... Bigger Things
When Song Joong Ki joined Running Man in 2010, he was the pretty face among the group. He was the brainy one, often scheming and strategizing, though not always successfully! He was definitely the one you could count on for an aegyo moment or two.
But behind that angelic face was a hunger for something more. He wasn't content just being the cute guy evading Kim Jong Kook. He wanted to flex his acting muscles. And that, my friends, is where our story takes a turn.
The Acting Bug Bites Back
Song Joong Ki wanted to pursue his acting career more seriously. Running Man, as much as we adore it, is a huge time commitment. Filming takes up days, and promotional activities eat up even more.
Imagine trying to memorize lines for a serious drama while simultaneously thinking about how to outsmart Yoo Jae Suk. It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle! It's impressive, but eventually, something's gotta give.
His popularity was exploding, and movie offers were pouring in. He starred in *Penny Pinchers* during his time on the show and even landed a role in the historical drama, *Deep Rooted Tree*. These gigs proved he was ready for bigger and better things.
A Heartwarming Goodbye (and a Teeny Bit of Betrayal?)
His departure wasn't some dramatic falling out or secret scandal. It was a mutual decision, supported by the Running Man team. It was a bittersweet goodbye, filled with heartfelt messages and a few tears.
Of course, being Running Man, they couldn't resist a little bit of playful teasing. His final episode was, naturally, a hilarious mission where the members had to help him "escape" the show. The perfect way to send of the Flower Boy!
The Legacy of Joong Ki on *Running Man*
While his time on the show was relatively short compared to the other members, his impact was undeniable. He helped solidify Running Man as a must-watch variety show. His cunning and charm made him a fan favorite.
He even returned as a guest a few times, proving there were no hard feelings. It's always heartwarming to see former members come back and share a laugh with the original crew. It proves the bond they formed during filming.
From *Running Man* to Global Superstar
Leaving Running Man was a gamble, but it paid off big time. Song Joong Ki went on to become one of South Korea's biggest stars. He starred in *Descendants of the Sun* alongside Song Hye Kyo, which became a massive hit across Asia, solidifying his status as a leading man.
He continued to act in various films and dramas such as *Arthdal Chronicles*, and *Vincenzo*. You could say that he went on to do great things. Leaving *Running Man* was the right choice for his career.
So, the next time you're watching Running Man and wondering whatever happened to that flower boy from the early days, remember: he chased his dreams and caught them. And that's a story worth celebrating!
