'Running Man' is one of the long-running variety programs in South Korea. (Photo : YouTube/SBS Running Man)
With the controversies surrounding "Running Man" following the miscommunication problems between Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook and the production team, the said issue was addressed in a recent episode. The SBS variety show's Christmas episode featured a short segment where the cast and crew shared their thoughts about the controversy.
The "Running Man" team marked the SBS variety show's Christmas episode with a series of fun games and challenges. Aired on Dec. 25, Sunday, the show ended with a clip that featured the cast members receiving a surprise gift and a special message from the production staff.
The said clip showed the cast members gathering together to unveil the contents inside a big gift box. After finding a basket filled with apples and flowers including a special card, Yoo Jae Suk read the crew members' message where they apologized to the viewers, as well as the cast for hurting their feelings.
Yoo addressed the controversy and the production team's apology by promising to work harder in 2017. The veteran comedian ended his short message by also conveying his apologies to the viewers and wishing the SBS show's fans a happy Christmas.
Around a week before the said holiday, many fans were shocked to learn of the "Running Man" producers' decision to remove Kim and Song from the variety program. With plans to overhaul the show's format, the two celebrities were originally eyed to be replaced with new cast members.
However, the production team failed to properly handle communication plans for Kim and Song's exit. The two cast members were allegedly blindsided by the showrunners' decision to remove them from the series.
After holding an emergency meeting where the cast and crew members agreed to end the show in the first quarter of coming year, Kim and Song also agreed to stay on to finish their nearly seven-year tenure with the variety program. Moreover, the two celebrities' agencies recently told local reporters that Kim and Song's appearance fees for the remaining episodes will be donated to a charitable organization, Yonhap News quoted the two agency representatives as saying.
Meanwhile, the SBS variety program's TV ratings have posted low numbers over the past months. The Kpop girl group Blackpink's recent guest appearance during the Dec. 18 episode was also not sufficient to raise viewership shares, with ratings at only 5.9 percent, according to Nielsen Korea, as cited by Korea Herald.
"Running Man" is set to air its final episode in February 2017. Watch a clip of Black Pink appearance on the SBS show below:
