Avid fans of the SBS show "Running Man" will be happy with the latest news. Recently, SBS announced that the variety program will continue to air weekly episodes with its current cast members.
In a statement released by SBS on Jan. 24, Tuesday, as obtained by Yonhap News, the South Korean network announced that it is reverting its earlier announcement about the show's cancellation. Showrunners and "Running Man" cast members recently came to a decision to remain on-air given the feedback it received from local and global fans.
Many fans expressed anger and disappointment when news of the SBS show's cancellation was unveiled in December 2016. Given the outcry following the "Running Man" casting controversy that led to the cast and crew's earlier announcement to end the program in February, it appears that SBS decided to revisit the possibility of the show's continued broadcast with its lead stars.
In the said announcement, SBS' variety department head Nam Seung Yong stated that network officials met with Yoo Jae Suk, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, Lee Kwang Soo, Haha and Ji Suk Jin to discuss the show's future. After apologizing to the cast members over the miscommunication issues, they agreed to reverse the earlier decision to end the show.
Nam also conveyed his appreciation to the six cast members for their hard work and their agreement to continue "Running Man." The SBS executive added, "We will try our best to produce a better show so that we can return all the support and love fans have given us for the past seven years."
At this point, it is unclear if the planned format of upcoming episodes will be changed. The variety program is currently featuring a "Members Week" special where episodes are focused on a specific cast member.
Previous episodes already featured Song, Kim and Ji completing their "Members Week" challenges. Moreover, "Running Man" alum Gary already completed filming activities for his guest appearance in an upcoming episode.
An SBS representative told Korea Herald that Gary's participation was even kept a secret from his former cast members. Viewers can also expect to see a "dramatic twist" in the said episode.
The "Running Man" episode with Gary as special guest will be released on Jan. 29, Sunday, on SBS. Watch a clip from the variety program below: