(SBS)

The viewership ratings of SBS’ Sunday prime time variety show “Running Man” dipped, despite rookie girl group Black Pink’s appearance on the episode.

The Sunday episode recorded 5.9 percent viewership, seeing a 0.7 percent drop from the previous episode, according to local pollster Nielsen Korea.

The episode marked the first appearance for the girl group on a network TV entertainment show. Jisoo, Rose, Jennie and Lisa, had previously appeared on “Weekly Idol” on cable channel MBC Every 1.

Meanwhile, a decision by the staff of “Running Man” stoked controversy, as producers allegedly pulled co-hosts Kim Jong-kook and Song Ji-hyo from the show without discussing it with them prior.

By Son Ji-hyoung (json@heraldcorp.com)