Kim Hyun-joong declined offer to appear on "Family" season 2

Leader of boy band SS501 Kim Hyun-joong has turned down the offer to appear in the new season of SBS variety show "Family Outing", according to his agency DSP Media on Thursday.

An official at DSP told Asia Economic Daily over the phone that although Kim did receive the offer, he had "decided not to take on the show due to his conflicting work schedules and other issues."

Producers of "Family" have reportedly asked other idol group members -- including Yoona (of Girls' Generation), Daesung (Big Bang) and Taecyeon (2PM) -- to be regulars on the new season. However, their agencies have all replied that "nothing has been decided".

"Family Outing" was one of the most popular variety shows in Korea since its premiere in June 2008. With many Korean celebrities regularly appearing on the show, "Family" had recorded viewership ratings of over 30 percent.

However, the "reality-based" variety show sparked controversy last year when one of the scripts was leaked on the Internet. Fans became outraged when they found that the show was pre-scripted and ratings for the show had been declining ever since.

The entire cast from the first season of "Family", including the show's host Yoo Jae-seok and singer Lee Hyori, are set to leave the show after shooting the final episode next week.

With the second season scheduled to air around late February or early March, members of the new cast is expected to be confirmed later this month.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr