"Running Man" regular and rookie actor Kim Jong Kook has parted ways with his agency, Urban Works Entertainment. According to the Korean media outlet Joongang Daily, his contract recently expired and he chose not to renew it.
The news outlet quoted an anonymous industry source on his change of plans.
"By the time the contract ended, all the staff members that the celebrity had been working with since joining the entertainment company had left. For the time being, he will perform independently but will look for a new home agency after a while."
According to the Korean entertainment publication TV Report, Kim's niece, pop singer Soya, also left the agency. Kim created an agency of his own before signing with Urban Entertainment and that agency will probably represent them both if they do not immediately sign with a new agency.
Kim Jong Kook is popular in Korea and internationally for his appearance on the variety show "Running Man," which Urban Works Entertainment also distributes.
He recently debuted as an actor in the drama "Producer," playing a friend of Cha Tae Hyun's character. The k-celebs are friends in real life. He was originally asked to do a cameo but his appearance was expanded into a supporting role. He also had a cameo in "The Girl Who Sees Smells," starring Park Yoo Chun and Shin Se Kyung.
Kim is very popular in China. According to the publication China Topix, after Kim appeared in "Producer," he received acting offers from Chinese producers for both cameo appearances and supporting roles. His appearances on "Running Man" have made him so popular in China that his participation in "Producer" reportedly increased the number of views.
And his fans in China also show up to hear him sing. A Valentine's Day concert in China sold out two hours after the ticket counters opened.
Kim Jong Kook debuted as a singer in 1995. He was half of the male duo Turbo, which released the hits "Black Cat" and "Love Is..."
When the group disbanded, the three-time Daesang Award Winner continued his career as a solo artist, eventually becoming a well-known television personality.
