Vietnamese version of Korean variety show ‘Running Man’ to begin filming

Filming will begin at the end of January, and terrestrial channel HTV7 will air it every Saturday at 7:30 p.m starting April 6.

The Vietnamese version will feature a celebrity cast comprising actor Tran Thanh, actor-singer Ngo Kien Huy, actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, actor-singer Jun Pham, comedian BB Tran, actor-singer Truong The Vinh, and actor Lien Binh Phat.

It will be produced in collaboration with the original "Running Man" production staff from the Republic of Korea (RoK).

Choi So Hyun, a production designer at Korean channel Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), which produced the original "Running Man," said: "Vietnamese viewers really enjoy Korean variety programs. We hope to capture their hearts by producing a charming ‘Running Man’ that meets that expectation."

Yoon Sang Seob of Vietnamese media firm Lime Entertainment, which will co-produce the Vietnamese version, said: "We’ve previously worked with SBS to make the successful variety program ‘Oh! My Baby’, building local know-how in the process. We will do our best with the Korean production staff to make ‘Running Man’ also a success."

Last month SBS made headlines in Vietnam for being the only terrestrial TV channel in RoK to broadcast the final of the AFF Championship, which Vietnam won for the first time in a decade.

"Running Man" is a variety show where a number of participants compete with each other to complete a series of missions and become the winner at the end of a ‘race.’ It has been adapted in countries like China.