Im Hyung Taek, the producer in charge of the popular SBS variety series 'Running Man,' has stepped forward to apologize for failing to be more mindful regarding the show's alleged plagiarism of the Japanese program 'VS Arashi.' 

Apparently, an online post had raised the suspicion of 'Running Man's December 6 episode, 'Lost in Seoul,' having a close resemblance to the Kokoro Vikings game on Fuji TV variety program 'VS Arashi.'

In a phone interview with Sport Chosun on Monday, Im said, "I'm currently overseas hunting for a location for ['Running Man's] next filming and I'm embarrassed something like this blew up. We sometimes use images during meetings when we're planning for the show but there are instances when we don't check the materials' original sources. I think this was one of those instances." 

Im added, "I've never seen the Japanese program in question so I have nothing to say on the plagiarism itself. Regardless, there is the matter of my not being more mindful as someone that's responsible [for the show]. I apologize about this. I'll be more careful from now on." 

VS Arashi Kokoro Vikings game segment begins at 37:00 below:

Running Man's game on December 6 segment begins at 42:00 below: