Why Jeon Somin Left 'Running Man' After 7 Years: Her Emotional Journey
Published on May 13, 2025 | By Your Name
Actress Jeon Somin recently opened up about her departure from the popular Korean variety show Running Man after seven years as a regular cast member. In a heartfelt conversation on TV CHOSUN’s Gourmet Heo Young Man’s Baekban Travels, aired on May 11, 2025, Somin shared the emotional toll of malicious comments and her decision to focus on her acting career.
A Journey Through Yongsan and Memories
During the episode, Somin joined host Heo Young Man for a food tour in Yongsan, the vibrant heart of Seoul. When asked about her time on Running Man, she reflected, “I appeared as a guest twice before being offered a regular role. I was part of the show for about seven years.”
Her cheerful demeanor masked the challenges she faced behind the scenes, as she later revealed the impact of relentless online criticism.
The Weight of Malicious Comments
Despite receiving immense love from fans, Somin admitted that the barrage of malicious comments took a toll on her mental health. “As much as I received love, I also faced a lot of hate. If there was a reason for the comments, I would have reflected on it, but objectively, there was no particular reason,” she explained.
The constant negativity led her to seek emotional stability. “As I accumulated those experiences, I felt I needed a place to rest my heart,” Somin shared. She even expressed a desire to marry sooner, hoping to find someone to lean on during tough times.
Why Did Jeon Somin Leave 'Running Man'?
In November 2023, Jeon Somin officially stepped down as a regular on Running Man after six and a half years, citing her desire to focus on acting. Her departure left fans heartbroken, with many praising her vibrant energy and comedic contributions to the show.
Somin made a triumphant return as a guest in January 2025, delighting viewers with a joyful reunion. However, her exit sparked discussions among fans, particularly about the toxic fan culture surrounding the show.
Fan Reactions and Toxic Fandom Culture
Fan comments on platforms like Reddit highlight the polarized reactions to Somin’s tenure. One user, fantasydevourer, wrote, “Why did they hate her? She was one of the main reasons I watched the show.” Others pointed to a subset of fans, particularly from Southeast Asia, who idolize original cast members like Song Ji Hyo and resist new additions.
This toxic obsession has led to organized hate campaigns against newer members like Somin and Yang Sechan, with fans demanding their removal in favor of older cast members. Another user, HappyCurrencies, remarked, “Someone needs to study why SEA netizens are so toxic. They do the same thing in K-pop.”
The Bigger Picture: Hate Comments in Entertainment
Somin’s experience sheds light on the broader issue of online harassment in the entertainment industry. As Which_League_3977 noted, “Malicious comments often stem from jealousy or dissatisfaction, but they’re a sign of a growing audience.” While this may be true, the emotional impact on stars like Somin cannot be understated.
Interestingly, Somin clarified that her departure was primarily to pursue acting, not solely due to hate comments. However, fans like SpeakableOmen expressed disappointment in the Running Man cast for not publicly defending her during her struggles.
Looking Ahead: Jeon Somin’s Future
Jeon Somin’s candidness about her challenges has resonated with fans, sparking conversations about mental health and fandom culture. As she focuses on her acting career, her legacy on Running Man remains unforgettable, with many hoping to see her in future projects.
For more details on Somin’s food tour and interview, check out the original article on Sports Chosun.
What do you think about Jeon Somin’s departure from Running Man? Share your thoughts in the comments below!