Fans of Ji Suk Jin can’t help but feel sorry for the comedian after seeing how 2022 treated him.
In 2022, Ji Suk Jin, the oldest member of “Running Man” made headlines multiple times, all related to the controversies over the reality show that he has been a part of for 12 years.
Suspected of being bullied by Running Man members
In “Running Man”, Ji Suk Jin is the oldest but is always made fun of by other members. Although it is obvious that other members were only joking, the excessive teasing aimed at Ji Suk Jin over the years still made many viewers feel uncomfortable. This even raised a suspicion that Ji Suk Jin has become a victim of bullying on the show.
In an episode that aired in November, when the whole Running Man team received the challenge to find the filming location, Ji Suk Jin, sitting in the back seat, actively directed Yoo Jae Suk but was constantly ignored. Yoo Jae Suk brushed off Ji Suk Jin, saying, “Sit still… You just sit still. Just sleep next to me”. The other members also agreed with Yoo Jae Suk. Then, when Yoo Jae Suk drove into the wrong direction, Ji Suk Jin raised a warning but the members pretended not to hear. Kim Jong Kook then said, “Suk Jin, put the map down” and Song Ji Hyo told him to go to sleep.
After realizing he had turned in the wrong direction, Yoo Jae Suk blamed Ji Suk Jin, “That’s why you should look at the map properly.” This caused Ji Suk Jin to be upset, to the point that Kim Jong Kook thought that he got angry. This scene made viewers think the members of Running Man have crossed the line, disrespecting Ji Suk Jin.
Losing the Daesang, the trophy he has been waiting for for many years
Recently, the 2022 SBS Entertainment Awards received much attention from variety show fans, especially “Running Man” fans. Many expected Ji Suk Jin to win the Daesang – the trophy that he has been waiting for a long time. Moreover, Ji Suk Jin was also selected by the media as a strong candidate for this year’s Daesang.
However, eventually, the prestigious Daesang trophy belonged to Yoo Jae Suk, surprising viewers. In fact, this is a worthy achievement for the “Nation’s MC”, but because Yoo Jae Suk has won this award so many times, viewers thought that SBS would honor Ji Suk Jin and his 12-year contribution this time. The result even made Yoo Jae Suk feel guilty. He repeatedly apologized to Ji Suk Jin during his acceptance speech.
Since 2021, many viewers have been expecting Ji Suk Jin to win the Daesang. However, last year, he only won the “Honorary Employee” award. Fans also noticed the moment when Ji Suk Jin seemingly got disappointed when his name was called.
In his acceptance speech last year, Ji Suk Jin shared, “Honestly, I hope this is not the first time that the ‘Honorary Employee’ Award is handed out. I am holding the trophy for an award that even Gyeong Gyu sunbaenim doesn’t have.” Veteran male entertainer Lee Gyeong Gyu below the stage then jokingly said, “Hey, I don’t want to accept that award, even if they wanted to give it to me. That award is no different from being told to get out of this company.”
It seems that Gyeong Gyu only wanted to tease Ji Suk Jin, but the atmosphere of the awards ceremony after that turned awkward. On stage, Ji Suk Jin continued, “It’s an insult to the entire awards. Why wouldn’t you want to accept this great award?” and continue to thank the crew, Running Man members as well as SBS staff for always supporting him.
For 12 years of non-stop dedication to “Running Man”, Ji Suk Jin has received much love from fans. The fact that he has yet to win a Daesang makes fans think that SBS should treat him more fairly.
Source: k14.