"Running Man" fans have been devastated with the news that the hugely popular SBS variety show is coming to an end. The show has been plagued by controversy ever since it was announced that regular cast members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook will be leaving the show.
Song and Kim's departure and the controversy that followed called for an emergency meeting between staff members and the cast. The show's producers had apparently decided to drop both cast members without informing them and even though the production team issued an apology to Song and Kim, the damage had already been done.
Outraged and disappointed, fans expressed their anger over the production's treatment of both stars. The controversy even caused Kang Ho Dong to back out of his decision to join the second season of "Running Man."
The show's producing-director Jung Chul Min shed light on the situation and how it came to be. He explained that the controversy took place as a result of miscommunication when certain decisions regarding the direction of the show were being taken.
"It became awkward among us, when we had been like family," Naver quoted Jung as saying. "During the meeting, many asked, 'How did it become like this?' The cast and staff have been getting along like a family, so it doesn't make sense that the [production side] would do that. Misunderstandings were caused by problems with communication."
Jung also expressed regret over the misunderstandings that took place, which eventually hurt some people and therefore, came to the decision to end the show in February. He also said that the show's filming for next week has been cancelled until further discussions about the direction of the show.
Kim's side also had something to say about the show's cancellation in a statement obtained by All KPop. It was revealed that Kim had a meeting with the staff and cast members in the absence of his manager and decided to stay until the show's end in February out of loyalty for the show, which he was a part of for seven years.
Kim's side revealed that the actor is not upset with the staff over the current situation and does not hold the production team responsible for what happened. However, he did have one issue and that was the clumsy manner in which things were done. For more details on the story, watch the video below: