Cutting off contact with his friends and the lack of communication from�Kang Ho Dong after temporarily retiring and being acquitted from his tax scandal, many have been worrying about his current condition.

On January 12th, however, it was revealed that Kang Ho Dong surprisingly responded to former '1 Night 2 Days' colleague, Uhm Tae Woong and his new years text message.

Uhm Tae Woong wrote, "Hyungnim have a Happy New Year" and received a reply with the words, "You too, have a happy new year. Thank you for the greeting. I hope only good things happen for you".

Kang Ho Dong also sent Lee Soo Geun a text message, after the end of the year awards, saying�"Don't be exhausted or tired. I was happy to (work and) be with you".

Upon hearing this news netizens commented, "Now it's really time for him to come back", and "I really miss him on 1 Night 2 Days".

Friends and fans are anxiously hoping for Kang Ho Dong's�return in 2012.

Source + Image: Nate