Famous show host and comedian Kang Ho-dong has reversed his decision to join SBS TV‘s “Running Man,”

Kang’s management agency SM C&C said Thursday, only a day after the news broke that he would star in the popular variety show.

“We feel hurt and sorry to tell you that we respectfully turn down the proposal,” the agency said in a press release.

On Wednesday, the network and Kang‘s management announced that the traditional Korean wrestler-turned-show host was to join the program’s second season, which is expected to start in January.

The news widely circulated in and out of Korea as the show has been very popular in the region. But his joining was overshadowed by the fact that two original members -- Song Ji-hyo and Kim Jong-kook -- would leave the show.

“Kang had deliberated the proposal for a long time before he finally decided to accept it. But we reached a conclusion that other circumstances that came after his decision have put him in an uncomfortable situation,” read the press release, without elaborating further.

“We don‘t know every detail of the situation. But the last thing we want is to create a situation where Kang’s appearance would make the show‘s fans uncomfortable,” it continued, explaining the reason for the abrupt turnabout.

“We are deeply sorry to unwittingly cause confusion to all the fans, TV viewers and SBS officials.” (Yonhap)