With less than ten days to go, SBS variety show Running Man's Vietnam fan meeting has been suddenly canceled.
Recently, event organizer Archer Media announced on its official social media that the Running Man fan meeting 'RE:START In HO CHI MINH', scheduled for July 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, has been canceled.
The organizer said, "Due to force majeure, we are unable to proceed with the show as planned," adding, "We deeply appreciate every audience member who looked forward to the event and made time in their schedules to attend." They continued, "We are truly saddened and sorry to share this update," and "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience." They also noted that guidance on ticket refunds will follow as soon as preparations are complete.
The fan meeting was set to feature Running Man members Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Seok-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun. Hip-hop duo Mighty Mouth were also slated to appear as special guests, heightening anticipation among local fans. However, news of the cancellation before the event has left fans shocked and disappointed.
As controversy grew, the organizer added in a follow-up statement, "We even considered downsizing the event, but unforeseen issues with partner companies made it difficult to guarantee the show's quality." They continued, "We are well aware that fans who have waited seven years spent significant amounts on flights and hotel bookings," again offering an apology. Still, the specific reason for the cancellation was not disclosed.
Amid the silence, speculation has emerged locally that sluggish ticket sales may have derailed the event. Tickets reportedly ranged from 1,000,000 VND (about $39) to 4,700,000 VND (about $185). Some local outlets suggested the pricing may have felt steep relative to the cost of living in Vietnam. The organizer has not commented on the rumors of poor sales.
Meanwhile, Running Man has consistently met overseas fans through fan meetings across Asia since 2013, starting in Hong Kong and visiting China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau, and Vietnam.