So the dust has settled? Or so it seems, for the time being.

The news has finally been confirmed. Taewoong, Sikyung and Haejin are leaving the 1n2d. I guess for the first two, they have their other work activities to think of. Taewoong just announced his involvement in a new cable drama a few days back while there is word that Sikyung needs the time to work on his album. Haejin also has his acting projects to think of but it's still sad to see him leave after such a short time on the show.

What's more surprising is the manner how Sugeun has bowed out from 1n2d. It just reminds a lot of how Mong and Hodong left the show against their own will. In Mong's case, although it's been some time since his case was closed, he still hasn't made his comeback. I think the trauma of the backlash against him was very overwhelming and hurting so it really made him lose the confidence to restart his career. Hodong did make his comeback but not without some setbacks in the beginning. Sugeun's situation is somewhat in between the two of them. Although he is a famous comedian and host, his status in showbiz still pales in comparison to Hodong prior to his scandal so it will be quite difficult and time-consuming before he makes a comeback. Coupled with that, he still has two young kids to take care of and his wife's health condition wasn't that good too. Since he has already admitted to the illegal gambling charges, I won't dwell too much on this or criticise him for what he did. All I have to say is, if not for this case, Sugeun might not have left the show which he has stuck with for so long. I feel for his family especially since he had been under so much pressure to keep the show going after all these changes and support his family but this scandal will no doubt make it difficult for him to continue his career for a period of time. If only he had left on a voluntary basis and not under the shadow of such a scandal...

Now, it seems like there are at least two new names being said to be the "confirmed" new cast members of season 3. Actor Kim Joohyuk and rock singer Jung Joonyoung are said to be joining Jongmin and Taehyun in the new season. I suppose there may be more new names to be announced soon? I've only seen Kim Joohyuk in one of his dramas Terroir which wasn't very exciting but I vaguely remember seeing him on Running Man before. Still, I wonder how he will be like in 1n2d. As for Jung, I really have no idea who he is so I will be getting to know him through the show.