One of the most popular variety shows to come out of South Korea, Running Man, will come to an end next year.

This announcement from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) comes on the back of the news of popular members Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook being kicked off the show early this week.

The news that Song and Kim, who were apparently removed from the show without any prior notice or explanation, came as a shock to the show's legions of fans in Asia.

SBS said in a statement that the decision to end the show was made with both members and producers of the show:

"Running Man members and producers gathered together in Seoul today for an emergency meeting and overcame their misunderstandings and miscommunications.

After deep and lengthy discussion both sides decided to end the show at the end of February 2017."

It was also revealed that Song and Kim will continue participating in the show until the end of its run in February 2017.

Running Man season 2 had been scheduled to start next year.

Veteran South Korean variety show host Kang Ho Dong, who was slated to join the new season, backtracked on his decision to partake in the show after news of Song and Kim's removal broke.

SBS did not mention if Kang Gary, an ex-Running Man member who left the show last month, will be rejoining the show.

Top image from SBS Running Man website

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