One of the most popular variety shows in Korea, SBS's 'Running Man', is being criticized for its continuous changes. Complaints keep growing regarding the absence of the show's signature name tag race, casting stars from rival broadcasting station dramas, and failure to air the most recent collaboration episode with the Chinese 'Running Brothers'. The show's new producer Lee Hwan Jin has stepped up to provide some explanation to the recent controversies.
First, he spoke up about the absence of name tag races. Lee Hwan Jin PD responded, "Recent episodes such as the 'A/S special' were created because I think focusing on the members is necessary. Name tag races are a signature of 'Running Man', but it is not everything regarding our identity. The members, who have stayed on the show for the past 6 years, make up the identity itself, and I think we need time to focus on them. I also think this is part of the recovery process."
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He continued, "It is not that I favor indoors. I would appreciate it if viewers can think of it as a brief break. We have checked the members' sincere thoughts, so now we only have to go forward. Viewers will soon be able to watch even better episodes of 'Running Man'."
Next, he talked about his decision to cast rival broadcasting drama actors, Jin Goo and Kim Ji Won from KBS drama 'Descendants of the Sun'. Lee Hwan Jin commented, "Casting actors from different broadcasts depends on the situation, and this time I focused on inviting stars that the citizens desired to see. There was no pressure or restriction between the stations, and I thank the actors for putting hard efforts for our show."
Lastly, on the collaboration episode with the Chinese 'Running Brothers', he responded, "It is highly likely that you will not see the collaboration episode in Korea. The concept of the two versions are very different. Also, setting the airing date is difficult, and the language barrier were hard to overcome. The Korean members joined the Chinese version only to support them. There is not enough content to air it as a full episode."
Did that clear up some of your own questions?
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