On June 21, the YouTube channel TtnTtn uploaded an episode of Promotion Issues Are Just an Excuse, featuring Running Man members Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Song Ji-hyo, Haha, and Ji Ye-eun.
During the episode, Yoo Jae-suk, reflecting on Running Man’s 16-year run, spoke to Ji Ye-eun, a “Running Man Kid” who grew up watching the show, saying, “When Running Man started, neither we nor the production team thought it would last this long. For seven to eight months, we were in last place in our time slot.” He candidly revealed the program’s early struggles. Ji Suk-jin added, “I was doing Star Golden Bell at the time, and a manager told me that Running Man felt like it was losing momentum and might end after 10 months.”
Haha shared, “The PD back then told us to prepare mentally, saying they’d try to keep it going for two more months.” Yoo Jae-suk elaborated, “The PD suggested that, as a final effort, we secure sponsorship funds to shoot overseas and boost the show’s vibe.”
Yoo Jae-suk continued, “Both we and the production team thought this might be the end, approaching it as a finale.” Haha hinted at a turning point, saying, “But then we went to Thailand, and something happened at the airport.” Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, and Haha recounted, “We thought there was an idol or someone else, but the crowd was packed, holding placards with our names. The cheers were so loud we couldn’t hear each other.” They vividly described the overwhelming enthusiasm of overseas fans.
Yoo Jae-suk noted, “It was something we never imagined. It felt like a dream, and when that episode aired, many people in Korea were shocked.” The members collectively said, “People were proud of us,” and “How could a variety show be so popular overseas? That’s when we gained momentum.”
Haha added, “Then we started getting elementary school fans, and the name-tag ripping game became a trend.” Ji Ye-eun chimed in, “Even at church retreats, we played name-tag ripping.” Yoo Jae-suk, delighted, said, “My son Ji-ho was playing name-tag ripping at kindergarten too.”
As the cast fondly looked back on the unexpected rise of Running Man, their reflections served as a reminder of the show’s deep cultural impact—both at home and abroad. What began as a struggling program on the brink of cancellation evolved into a global phenomenon, thanks to heartfelt effort, unwavering teamwork, and the love of fans worldwide.
