Choi Hyung-in, the main producer of SBS's television show 'Running Man', discussed the show's plan for the next year and Ji Ye-eun's recent official addition to the show via a phone conversation with a news source on December 23.
'Running Man' celebrated its 14th anniversary this year, and Choi Hyung-in has been the show's main producer since August 2022.
Following the departure of long-time cast member actress Jeon So Min in November last year, the show adopted the 'member-renting' system, whereby instant guests cover her place instead of a new regular member.
There also has been a vacancy for male members for a long time since actor Lee Kwang Soo left the show in 2021.
Following the recent reports that Ji Ye-eun has officially joined the show, Choi Hyung-in addressed questions about the show's plan regarding its cast.
"It wasn't like we especially mentioned her as an 'official new member' in the show's caption or anything. We added her in more subtly.", she remarked.
"People were leaving comments asking whether Ji Ye-eun is a regular member now, and there were many questions surrounding the matter. She's with us and will be around for a long time; I'll leave it at that. She can be considered one of the members now."
"Ji Ye-eun has great chemistry with every cast member. It's fun when she's around members like HAHA, Ji Suk-jin, or Yang Sechan. She could also create humorous scenes with Kim Jong-kook or Song Ji-hyo.", the producer added.
Choi Hyung-in said, "We adopted the 'member-renting' system because many celebrities couldn't afford to be regular members due to their busy schedules. We consider the 'rented members' part of the family; we welcome them to the show anytime they are available."
"Ji Ye-eun's addition to the show doesn't imply that we are abandoning the 'member-renting' system. If there are others the viewers would like to see on the show, we could invite them through the 'member-renting' system."
"That also applies to Kang Hoon. Our door is open for him; he can appear on the show anytime his schedule lets him. He might spend more time on the show when he's not filming any project. That's why we put him as a 'rented member' in the first place. I want to stress again that Ji Ye-eun's joining the show does not mean the 'member-renting' system is over."
The producer added, "Please show Ji Ye-eun some support. She said she reads online comments about her. So, I would appreciate it if you kindly leave nice comments and give her a lot of support."
(SBS Star)