Taiwan's 'Running Man Awards' canceled due to financial losses; organizer cites market challenges

Taiwan's prominent YouTube event, the "Running Man Awards" (Zou Zhong Jiang), has been canceled for this year, with organizers citing substantial financial losses. The announcement was made by influencer Qiu Weijie, also known as "Guo Ji," who has spearheaded the event for its seven-year run.

Guo Ji explained that in recent years, the scale of the Running Man Awards has resulted in expenditures exceeding NT$10 million annually, leading to deficits of NT$1-2 million each year. He stated that he has personally covered these shortfalls, but the amount required this year has surpassed his capacity to finance it.

Responding to speculation that the cancellation was linked to his "midlife crisis" and the limitations of the Taiwanese market, Guo Ji acknowledged the market's challenges. He pointed out that many Taiwanese productions, including dramas, reality shows like "The Apex" and "The Rap of China," and prestigious awards like the Golden Horse, Golden Melody, and Golden Bell Awards, rely on government subsidies to survive.

In contrast, Guo Ji emphasized that the Running Man Awards have consistently operated without government support, relying solely on private resources. He asserted that even if the event were a manifestation of his personal midlife crisis, it has provided a significant platform for many individuals. He concluded by stating that while he may have made mistakes, he is only accountable to his collaborators, and his "psychological issues" are not subject to public inquiry.