Taipei, Aug. 5 (CNA) The popular South Korean variety-cum-game show "Running Man," which pits celebrities against each other in a series of challenges, could shoot in Taiwan for the first time later this month, an official with Taiwan's Tourism Bureau said Tuesday.

"We're 90 percent certain that the show will shoot in Taiwan," said Cheng Yi-ping, a section chief at the bureau responsible for Japan and South Korea.

"But there have been several adjustments to the list of visiting crew and personnel," she told CNA by telephone. "They're very likely to make the final decision at the very last minute."

Asked if she knows which flight the South Korean television crew will fly in on and the specific shooting time and location, Cheng said only: "We're still waiting for their final decisions."

She confirmed, however, that the production crew has booked buses for Aug. 11 and 12.

"It will be a great chance to let more people know about Taiwan and promote the country if the show shoots here," she said.

The local media has speculated that the show will shoot at night at Leofoo Village Theme Park in the northern county of Hsinchu. The theme park declined to comment, directing all questions to the Tourism Bureau.

"We welcome everyone to film in our theme park," the park said, calling it a good opportunity to showcase its facilities to the world.

While little has been confirmed, Taiwanese fans have already begun preparing signs and drawing up plans to wait at the airport early Aug. 11 to meet their favorite stars.

The show features regular contestants Yoo Jae-suk, Gary, Haha, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Lee Kwang-soo and Song Ji-hyo. It has garnered attention worldwide since premiering in 2010 for the often comedic interactions between them.

(By James Lee)
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