SBS variety show 'Running Man' has found itself in trouble once again, this time for inappropriate behaviour in a recent episode. Haha seems to be the one to blame.
Website Soompi and Koreaboo note that the Korean Communications Standards Commission recently added SBS's 'Running Man' to their list of programs to be reviewed for violating broadcasting regulations, on May 10.
On the April 2 episode, 'Running Man' member Haha had to wrestle with actor Choi Min-yong, who had appeared as a guest on the show, to get the chance to answer a quiz question. While wrestling, Haha was seen grabbing Choi Min-yong's crotch and didn't let go until the latter pried his hands loose. Choi Min-young was seen breaking down in tears shortly after, likely due to pain.
The act was seen as unethical and immoral. An official from the Korean Communications Standards Commission said, "'Running Man' has been added as an item on the Korea Communications Standards Commission annual subcommittee conference this coming May 10. One guest showed inappropriate behaviour by grabbing a vital body part of his opponent's in a game where participants had to withstand pain."
This sort of behaviour, from members no less, is only going to damage the SBS variety show. 'Running Man' has already suffered a lot of ever since Gary left. The removal of Song Ji-hyo and Kim Jong-kook had created problems too. Though they were brought back and the show was renewed, it was never the same again.
Fans of the show were not happy when two new members, Jeon So-min and Yang Se-chan were added as permanent cast of the show. The ratings have not been very impressive of late either. However, the May 7 episode earned 6.3 percent in nationwide ratings, as per AGB Nielsen Korea. This is a 1.1 percent increase from the April 30 episode which earned 5.2 percent.
Another controversy occurred on the April 30 episode involving none other than Kim Jong-kook. Girl group SISTAR's Hyorin asked Jong-kook about the qualities he seeks in his ideal woman, to which the latter said most men prefer shorter women and added that he doesn't feel that tall women are very women-like. Needless to say, most fans and viewers found his comments very offensive and rightly so.
The next episode of 'Running Man' airs on May 14.
