Haha Reveals Why He Rejected a 'Lord of the Rings' Hobbit Role Offer

Korean entertainer Haha has garnered significant attention after revealing he received an offer to star as a Hobbit in the Hollywood blockbuster 'The Lord of the Rings' but ultimately turned it down to prioritize his long-running show 'Running Man'. This revelation, made by Haha himself on SBS's 'Running Man', sparked widespread interest and surprise among the public and his fellow cast members.

Haha explained that he was offered one of 12 Hobbit roles, specifically as an Asian representative, and even completed a profile photoshoot for the production. The casting team requested about a month of his schedule, but Haha chose to honor his commitment to 'Running Man', a show he has been with for 16 years. Fellow cast members like Yoo Jae-suk noted Haha's suitability for a Hobbit role, while Ji Suk-jin highlighted that the project was said to involve the original 'Lord of the Rings' cast.

Bloggers have commented that Haha's energetic, playful, and approachable personality, despite his small stature, makes him a natural fit for a Hobbit character. His signature casual street fashion, often featuring ball caps and comfortable attire, is also seen as aligning with the free-spirited image of Hobbits. Haha's decision to prioritize loyalty to his existing show over a major Hollywood opportunity has resonated with many.