There are times when we are not in the mood to watch a K-Drama because watching one feels a bit draining, and when I feel like that, my go-to show will always be “Running Man!” This is the K-Variety show I never get tired of because it always puts me in a good mood, and I really love the cast members. There is truly no dull moment while watching this one!
Oh, and if you’re not aware yet, aside from the latest “Running Man” episodes, KOCOWA+ also has the classics, iconic episodes that made this show the longest-running and most loved K-Variety program all over the world!
What is “Running Man?”
If you’re new to Korean entertainment, let me fill you in on why “Running Man” is considered a legendary K-Variety. The show is led by none other than the most loved icon in South Korea, Yu Jae Suk! He is not called the Nation’s MC for nothing. The cast also includes Haha, Jee Seok Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, Yang Se Chan, and Ji Ye Eun, all of whom are known for their strong variety skills. These are the current cast members, but the show was also made iconic by past members like Gary, Lizzy, Lee Kwang Soo, Jeon So Min, and even Song Joong Ki!
The reason why “Running Man” is so loved by many is because of its fun concepts where members take part in different missions to become the winner at the end of each race. But even with great concepts, the show wouldn’t be what it is without its cast. Missions are the heart of “Running Man,” whether it’s the early episodes focused on avoiding punishments or the latest ones with prizes. What makes it special is how the cast members know exactly how to make every situation funny. Their chemistry feels like a real family, and watching them take part in punishments at the end of each episode is pure comedy gold!
Best “Running Man” Episodes
Episode 74 – Superpower Nametag Elimination
If there’s one episode that truly made “Running Man” the blueprint for chaotic and iconic variety show editing, it’s Episode 74 with the superpower nametag elimination. This theme was wild for its time, giving each member ridiculous “powers” like time control, teleportation, and invisibility, turning the usual tag game into an unpredictable battlefield! It became legendary because all the members became overly competitive, and suddenly, no one trusted anyone. That chaos made the whole episode so much fun to watch!
Episode 300 – The 300th Special (7 vs 300)
For the 300th episode, “Running Man” made it extra special by inviting the BTS members! The theme revolves around finding the correct weight scale through a map puzzle, and only a total of 300 kg can get inside the car and head home. The episode is chaotic from start to finish, filled with strategy, sabotage, and hilarious betrayals every few minutes. What makes this episode even more exciting is seeing BTS show their personalities, especially since they were still rookies when the episode was filmed!
Episode 473 – Joker’s House
Heard of the “Don’t Laugh Challenge?” This is the “Running Man” version of it! The episode is divided into two groups: the human team and the bio-terrorist team. The human team’s mission is to complete all the planned activities while the bio-terrorist team tries to interrupt everything. One of their missions is to walk through a street full of funny situations, and it is so hilarious watching them fight the urge to laugh. Lee Kwang Soo even ends up rolling on the ground!
Episode 543-544 – Running Investment Conference: Masters of Investment
These episodes are well-loved not only because they are entertaining but also because they simulate real stock investment in a fun way! This is not a team game, and only the top two cast members with the most R-money get a prize and avoid the penalty. The casts’ chemistry, teasing, and nonstop jokes will have you laughing all throughout, and it’s so fun trying to guess who will end up winning the game!
Episode 575 – Webfoot Octopus Game
Does the title sound familiar? That’s because this episode is inspired by the popular K-Drama “Squid Game!” The cast members become players who must clear different games to survive and avoid the penalty. Since we already know each member’s personality, it’s extra funny watching them bicker, betray each other, and do anything they can to win the 3 million won prize!
Don’t worry about where to watch all of these because every episode is available for streaming on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitles!
