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| SBS entertianment program "Running Man" /Courtesy of SBS |
By Lee Jin-a
In a surprising turnaround, SBS TV said Tuesday it will not stop airing popular Sunday entertainment show "Running Man," scrapping plans to end the program in February.
The broadcaster said in December it would drop the show amid controversy over the removal of two long-standing cast members — actress Song Ji-hyo and K-pop singer Kim Jong-kook.
"Considering opinions from local and overseas fans who opposed the decision (discontinuation), SBS and six cast members have decided to continue the program with the current cast," SBS said. "Director Nam Seung-yong of SBS Entertainment, who first planned 'Running Man' back in 2010, met with each of the cast members at the beginning of the year. He apologized for the controversy and all six members agreed to keep going."
Nam expressed appreciation for the agreement. "We will try our best to produce a better show so that we can repay the support and love we have received from our fans at home and abroad for the past seven years," he said.
Meanwhile, SBS denied a news report that the program plans to add comedian Kang Ho-dong to the lineup.
"Running Man," first aired in 2010, is one of SBS's widely popular shows at home and abroad. It features six hosts — comedians Yu Jae-seok and Jee Seok-jin, singers Haha and Kim Jong-kook, and actors Song Ji-hyo and Lee Kwang-soo — and special celebrity guests each episode.
