Actor Kim Jung Tae Leaves "Return of Superman" Show

Actor Kim Jeong-tae and his son Jihoo ('Yakkungi') have decided to leave KBS 2TV's weekly reality show "The Return of Superman" after only one month on the show following some serious political controversy they've been involved.

Accordig to Newsen, the "Return of Superman" reality show representative told them: "We were notified of Kim Jung Tae's intent to leave the program... Kim Jung Tae sent his notification of departure on the 10th. The staff have also found out just now. We will have to hold a discussion on the matter... The decision to leave must have been difficult to make for Kim Jung Tae."

His decision to leave the program after he was spotted campaining for na Dong-Yeon of the Saenuri Party, who ran for Yangsan city mayor in South Gyeongsang in the June 4 local elections. Technically, he did not breach any law for supporting a candidate, but public criticism against him became harsh when it turned out he had brought his three-year-old son Ji-hu to cheer for Na. Which seems to be misunderstood by the public.

His wife, Jeon Yeo-jin, responded that the family was just on a "picnic", and that she and her son had just stopped by to say hello to Na, who is an old friend of her husband. Yet many people felt that it is disturbing for a child to be exploited for political means.

Henceafter, politician Na Dong Yeon was then accused of using 'Yakkungi' to promote his campaign for the recent national election held when Kim Jung Tae had shown up with his son at Na Dong Yeon's political campaign event. After photos of 'Yakkungi' spotted at the event spread, many asked if his child celebrity status was being used by the politician for political aim. Na Dong Yeon and Kim Jung Tae denied the accusations.

"After much deliberation, we chose to get out of the show", said Kim's agency Taewon Art Media yesterday. "We are sorry for everything; we just want the people to know that there was no bad intention".

"Return of Superman"  is one of the two segments (the other segment is 1 Night 2 Days) on Happy Sunday. It is a reality show depicting the candid lives of celebrity families. Celebrity dads are left to care for their kids alone while their wives leaves the home for 48 hours, and this means, without the help from anyone.

By Kim Hee-eun, contributing writer