Song Ji-hyo Announces Temporary Hiatus Amid 'Running Man' Controversy

Actress Song Ji-hyo has announced a temporary hiatus.

On the 26th, Song Ji-hyo shared a notice on her YouTube channel 'Song Ji-hyo JIHYO SSONG' stating, "Jihyo Ssong will be taking a short break!"

She revealed, "I am currently preparing diligently for a new challenge," indicating that she is working on something beyond her lingerie business.

Song Ji-hyo added, "So this week, Jihyo Ssong will take some time for reorganization and rest. I will return with more entertaining videos as much as you have waited," expressing her intention to return after a week of reorganization.

Previously, Song Ji-hyo faced the so-called 'wallflower controversy' on the SBS variety show 'Running Man,' where her recent screen time was limited to about 10 seconds. During the approximately 1 hour and 30-minute broadcast, she was mostly seen in reactions or group shots.

Some netizens criticized Song Ji-hyo's attitude on the show, saying, "She seems unmotivated," "Editing is justified if it's not entertaining, but this is too much," and "There have been consistent controversies before, but this time it's severe."

Meanwhile, Song Ji-hyo, born in 1981, is 44 years old this year and has been a part of 'Running Man' since 2010 for 16 years.

Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr