International fans of “Running Man” are very disappointed with SBS decision to shut down the long reigning variety show. Although the show has low ratings in Korea, but it has a solid international fan base.

SBS variety show “Running Man” has a huge fan base in Asia and South America according to Korea Times. Therefore SBS decision to end the show by February 2017 has made fans upset. Although the show has only an average ratings of around 6 percent, but its huge international fans has been the main reason for SBS to keep the show.

Its international popularity has made the show to have many international episodes, shooting outside Korea since 2011. They have travelled to shoot the episodes in Thailand, China, Macau, Taiwan Vietnam, Australia and Indonesia.

In Southeast Asia according to Today there are millions of fans of the show. However the careless and crude act of the production team harmed teamwork between the current cast members who have been working together for 7 years.

Initially, SBS planned to reboot the show into the season 2 with a new cast members to replace Gary who resigned from the show last October. The selected cast member is highly acclaimed TV personality Kang Ho-Dong, who has been a success in many variety shows. However, the production team decided to sack two other members, Song Ji-Hyo and Kim Jong-Kook without confirmation to either one of them.

Public became furious when they found out about the scandal. Especially, Song and Kim revealed that the production team had not contacted them to inform about the new season and discard them off the show. They were surprised after knowing the decision from the media, and Song was reported to shut herself in and cried.

Subsequently, Kang made a statement to decline from joining “Running Man” Season 2. In order to stop further controversy and public outcry, SBS decided to shutdown the show. “Running Man” will only run until February and it will stop the production.

Watch the announcement of “Running Man” Episode 462 with Black Pink as the guest  below: