SBS has revealed that Running Man will not be ending and has been un-cancelled after a series of controversies plagued the show.

The broadcasting company revealed in a statement that Running Man will not be ending after weeks teasing the end of the show. The final episodes already aired in January and the remaining episodes were meant to be specials focused on each individual member.

It was originally announced that Running Man would be shutting down after a controversial decision to remove Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo from the show received massive backlash from fans.

The show will now continue to air past the announced cancellation date.

“Running Man will continue to air with all the members in place!! Due to the overwhelming sadness of both Korean and International fans over the end of Running Man, SBS and the 6 members have decided to continue the Running Man series. SBS’ Chief of Headquarters, Nam Seung Yong, who originally created the show Running Man in 2010 has been meeting with the cast since the beginning of the year until recently to have deep conversations [about Running Man]. Through these conversations he apologized to the members over and over again for the incidents that happened during the re-formatting of the show. The 6 members agreed to stay on the show [after these discussions].” — SBS

The SBS Chief of Headquarters continued on to reveal that it was an extremely difficult decision to continue on with the show. Here’s his statement below:

“I sincerely thank the Running Man members who made the difficult decision to stay on the show. In order to repay fans who loved and supported the show for the last 7 years, we will do our best to make Running Man even more enjoyable.” — SBS Chief of HQ Nam Seung Yong

The entire saga of Running Man’s controversy first began on December 13th when it was first announced that Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook would be leaving Running Man. The agencies of the two celebrities initially released vague statements as the reasons for leaving, explaining that they had other activities to focus on.

Soon afterwards, on December 15th, SBS decided to cancel Running Man after a series of meetings and announced the last episode would air in the first week of January 2017.

Fans, who were already extremely angry at the treatment of Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook, were infuriated when they discovered Song Ji Hyo had locked herself in and cried after being removed from the show.

Running Man’s producers apologized in public and punished themselves for the controversy in January 2017.

“We are sorry, we will work harder from now on. Running Man members, we are sorry we couldn’t protect you. We will do better from now on…” — Running Man Producers

SBS then announced that Running Man would be holding a tour across Asia which would last until the end of March 2017. Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo both confirmed their attendance even despite being initially removed from the show.

Soon after this announcement, Gary revealed he would be making a comeback to Running Man for a special episode. These special episodes were focused around each of the members as a way for the members to say “goodbye” to fans.

This was the last announcement made before this latest update that Running Man would not be cancelled.

Source: Sports Donga