AFTER six years, one of South Korea’s most popular shows ever, Running Man, is set to end in February 2017.
Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), the studio which airs the show, confirmed this today in a shock announcement, reported the Koreaboo entertainment website.
Earlier today, Koreaboo had reported that Running Man’s current cast members had organised a secret meeting to discuss them leaving the show together.
The meeting followed earlier developments which saw long-running members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook being kicked off the show.
Rumours then began to emerge that SBS would bring the curtains down on Running Man for good.
After initially refuting the claims, SBS today confirmed that Running Man will indeed come to an end and will no longer air in February next year.
SBS’ statement reads: “Running Man members and producers gathered together in Seoul today for an emergency meeting and overcame their misunderstandings and miscommunication. After a deep and lengthy discussion, both sides have decided to end the show at the end of February 2017.
“However, they decided that they did not want to end the show on such a sad note, and as such, will have all six members, Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Haha, Lee Kwang Soo, Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook (for the rest of the epidodes).”
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo also issued statement clarifying that they would be re-joining Running Man until the end of the series.
“To show the strength of friendship that had been built over seven years, and thinking of the fans who supported Running Man for such a long time, I think we have to give them the best finale possible,” said the two stars.
Running Man first aired on July 11, 2010. After a slow start, it eventually grew to become one of the most popular shows in South Korea and later, throughout Asia.
In South Korea, it is watched by an average of 2.1 million people. Its immense popularity has seen the show being translated into English, Spanish and Arabic, among others.