The latest episode of the Korean variety show Running Man aired on the 14th, featuring consecutive farewells to a producer who had worked with the program for many years and a temporary cast member. The atmosphere was both heartwarming and full of laughter, sparking lively discussion among viewers.
At the start of the show, as the members were preparing for the opening shoot, Haha suddenly took out a lip balm and applied it, leaving everyone puzzled. They jokingly asked, “Is this product placement?” Haha then explained that it was a gift from producer Shin In to the cast. Yoo Jae-suk took the opportunity to formally inform viewers that producer Shin In would be leaving Running Man due to her upcoming childbirth, making this episode her final recording and marking the end of a five-year collaboration.
Throughout the episode, the members expressed their gratitude to producer Shin In one by one. Kim Jong-kook mentioned that she had worked her way up from assistant director to main producer, while Yoo Jae-suk added, “She actually started out as an assistant director.” Kim Jong-kook joked, “She was in charge of me—following me around must have been really tough,” prompting Yoo Jae-suk to quip back, “She said it’s because you’re exhausting,” drawing big laughs from everyone and adding Running Man’s signature humor to the farewell.
In addition to the producer’s departure, the show also announced that second-generation “borrowed member” Choi Daniel had officially graduated from the program. Choi Daniel shared that he was very grateful for the opportunity to participate as a borrowed member. Haha teased him, saying, “You realized after coming here that you’re not really good at anything, right?” Choi Daniel laughed at himself in response, saying that he had always thought people were joking when they said he was “slow to react,” but after joining the show, he realized, “They were actually serious,” sending the entire cast into laughter.
Choi Daniel also spoke emotionally, saying that Running Man is a program he feels deeply thankful for in his life. Kim Jong-kook patted him on the shoulder and said, “Come back again sometime,” before jokingly calling out someone who “never comes back once they leave,” once again stirring up conversation.
After the episode aired, reactions on Korean online communities were sharply divided, but discussions were intense. Some netizens commented bluntly:
- “The producer has finally been changed—hopefully this brings a fresh start”
- “For a long-running show, the producer’s ability really matters. Changing people can also be a kind of reset.”
- “So it turns out she stepped down during her pregnancy—this must have been such a tough time. Wishing her a safe delivery.”
- “I’ve always watched the show; the malicious comments have really gone too far.”
As for Choi Daniel’s graduation from the program, many viewers expressed regret, saying things like, “He was actually pretty funny—it’s a shame to see him go,” and “The borrowed-member system is a good idea; it reduces the burden and keeps things feeling fresh.”
By bidding farewell in a single episode to both a long-time producer and a regular ‘borrowed’ cast member, Running Man once again arrives at a turning point. With changes in both the production team and the cast, viewers are looking forward to the show bringing new energy and a different look in the future.
Sources: nate
You must be logged in to post a comment.