“Running Man” Stands At Crossroads Once Again After Lee Kwang-soo and Jeon So-min’s Withdrawals
“Running Man” is once again in the situation where they need to make careful and wise decisions
On November 6th, SBS’s “Running Man” began to do recordings with the new six-member lineup.
Two years after Lee Kwang-soo dropped out of “Running Man”, actress Jeon So-min announced her departure on October 30th. Since then, predictions of “Running Man” recruiting new members and changing the lineup have been pouring out but the production team decided to continue the show with six members.
“Running Man” began broadcasting in 2010 with 7 members, including Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Seok-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Gary, Lee Kwang-soo, and Song Joong-ki. Later, Song Ji-hyo and Lizzy joined, increasing the number of the cast to 9. In 2011, “Running Man” lineup returned to 7 as Lizzy and Song Joong-ki withdrew from the show. Gary dropped out in November 2016, leaving “Running Man” with only 6 members. In April 2017, Yang Se-chan and Jeon So-min joined and the show continued with 8 members for a while. Lee Kwang-soo and Jeon So-min then left in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Having been on air for 13 years, “Running Man” is one of the longest-running entertainment programs. With the simple rules of players running around places to take off name tags on their backs, the show has gained huge popularity worldwide. In particular, its fandom expanded to Southeast Asia and China in the mid-2010s. As such, “Running Man” is the only variety program with members holding fanmeeting overseas.
However, due to the long-running broadcast, the simple and signature name tag game has become a little boring. Following Gary’s departure, “Running Man” was on the verge of ending. However, the program resumed after internal discussions, but this time, concerns and issues, such as the health of the aging members who are over 40 and controversies over their behaviors and attitudes on the show, arose.
After Jeon So-min’s withdrawal, it would be very difficult for “Running Man” to maintain a balance. Once again, they had to temporarily solve this by inviting guests.
The most important issue is the program’s competitiveness as a terrestrial broadcast in the era where OTT, YouTube, and short-form content are pouring out. The difficulties of maintaining a terrestrial program, which requires weekly broadcasts, is the biggest obstacle “Running Man” is facing.
Overcoming the 2016 crisis, “Running Man” is once again at a crossroads. This time, they need to protect their reputation as a national entertainment program and the longest-running variety show. At the moment, the production team decided to temporarily continue the show with six members while discussing a replacement for Jeon So-min’s vacancy. Whether “Running Man” will renew itself or stand on the verge of an end, there are two possible scenarios.
Source: Daum
