South Korean variety show 'Running Man' episode 304 is held in a swimming pool. (Photo : YouTube/Running Man Moments 7102)
South Korean reality show remakes are successful in China. Seven out of the top 20 reality shows aired in China in 2016 were conceptualized from South Korean shows. The ranking was based on viewership ratings of the shows' peak during their run.
The Chinese version of "Running Man" titled "Hurry Up, Brother" topped the list. Its Season 3 episode 11 aired on Jan. 8, 2016 got 4.701 percent of the viewership while Season 4 episode 5 broadcast on May 27, 2016 earned 3.934 percent, Yonhap News has learned.
The Chinese adaptation of MBS television's singing competition show "I Am a Singer" Season 4 final episode landed number 7 with 2.603 percent. The "Hidden Singer" show, which is similar to a format of a show on Korea's JTBC, was number 14 with 2.083 percent.
When a variety show earns more than one percent viewership in China, it means the show is already very popular. It is because there are more than 2,000 programs to compete in the country.
Beijing restrained some Korean cultural products as a retaliation of Seoul's agreement with the United States to put up a missile system on the Korean peninsula. Having Korean show remakes gaining more viewership ratings is evident that Chinese audience still love Korean programs.
Meanwhile, the upcoming episode of "Running Man" in South Korea will have Yoo Jae Suk as Yoo-mes or James Bond. The theme will be a battle of the superpowers and the show's members will be in their best characters, such as Thor, Master of Time and Sherlock.
Yoo's Bond will be on the hunt with his signature water gun. He will shoot at the other member's name tags. Lee Kwang Soo will be Kwang-vatar who will carry out his mission with the general public. Hence, he is expected to go out to the streets, according to Soompi.
The "Running Man" members are reportedly tasked to search for the mastermind of this week's episode and stop him or her from winning. While they will rip off each other's name tag, a surprise guest will appear in a hilarious clone. "Running Man" airs on KST every Sunday at 6:25 pm local time.
Below is a sneak peek of "Running Man" in 2017:
