“Running Man” fans, it looks like your wishes have been granted.
After much hoo-ha, SBS has announced that the variety show will continue its run with the 6 original members. This comes after the broadcast station’s decision to end the show in February.
In a statement, SBS stated:
“‘Running Man’ will continue to air with all the members in place!!
Due to the overwhelming sadness of fans in and outside of Korea over the end of ‘Running Man’, SBS and the 6 members have decided to continue the series of Running Man. SBS Chief of Headquarters Nam Seung Yong who originally created the show Running Man in 2010 met with the members from the beginning of the year until recently to have deep conversations.
Through these conversations he apologized to the members over and over again on the incidents that happened during the re-formatting of the show and the 6 members agreed to stay on the show.”
This was also followed by a statement from Nam Seung Yong, which is the Chief of Headquarters for SBS.
He echoed the original press statement, and said:
“I sincerely thank the ‘Running Man’ members who made the difficult decision to stay on the show, and in order to repay the fans who loved and supported ‘Running Man’ for the last 7 years we will do our best to make ‘Running Man’ even more enjoyable than it has been.”
The decision to axe the show came in mid-December, after it was revealed that Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo will be leaving to make way for a 2nd season of “Running Man”. However, it was eventually leaked that the duo was forced out of the show without being given proper notice.
This ensued in massive backlash from fans, and SBS made the difficult decision to end the show with the original members. Former member Gary was even roped in for an episode and several special episodes has also been aired. A “final” Asia tour involving the “Running Man” members was also scheduled for later this year.
Fans are ultimately glad that their beloved TV show has been “un-cancelled”, but also hope that the members will be treated fairly in the future.
Are you glad that the show will continue despite the previous controversies? Or do you think that it would be better for “Running Man” to end on a high note?
Source: Koreaboo.
