Song Ji Hyo is currently facing one of the biggest waves of backlash in her career, as viewers criticize her recent appearances on Running Man for lacking energy and engagement.
Over the past two weeks, controversy has intensified after multiple episodes highlighted what many fans described as a passive and unmotivated attitude. In the latest broadcast, it reportedly took nearly 10 minutes before the actress spoke for the first time. Aside from a brief eating segment, her presence was barely noticeable, with viewers pointing out moments where she appeared distracted—such as asking staff to repeat a question during a game.
“She seems completely disengaged,” some viewers commented, expressing disappointment that the actress appeared not to have taken previous criticism into account. The reaction has escalated into widespread calls for her to step down from the program.
The issue gained traction after an episode aired two weeks ago, where despite a runtime of 90 minutes, Song Ji Hyo was seen on screen for only around 10 seconds—mostly in reaction shots or group scenes. In the following episode, her screen time reportedly increased only slightly to about one minute, further fueling criticism.
Industry observers have also noted a shift in the production team’s approach. In 2023, when similar concerns were raised, the Running Man team intervened to increase her screen time and encourage more active participation. However, recent reports suggest that the production crew is no longer making such efforts. A Mydaily journalist commented, “The production team no longer shows signs of trying to increase her presence on the show.”
This perceived lack of intervention has led some viewers to conclude that even the production team may be struggling to address the situation. As criticism continues to mount, many argue that her repeated “low-energy” performances have crossed into unprofessional territory.
Notably, this is not the first time Song Ji Hyo has faced such controversy. In 2023, she was similarly criticized for appearing disengaged and distant from other cast members, prompting temporary calls for her departure. While those concerns subsided after improvements in her participation, the current backlash appears even more intense due to what viewers see as a repeated pattern.
Debuting in the early 2000s, Song Ji Hyo rose to fame through hit dramas like Princess Hours and Jumong, later gaining massive popularity as a core member of Running Man. However, the ongoing controversy highlights the growing expectations placed on long-running variety show members, where consistent energy and presence remain crucial to maintaining audience support.
Sources: Nate
You must be logged in to post a comment.