The latest episode of 'Running Man', which aired on the 1st, saw an increase in its target demographic rating to 2.2%, securing the top spot in its time slot for variety shows, with a peak viewership rate soaring to 4.7% (according to Nielsen Korea, metropolitan area, household-based).
This episode featured a 'Vote for Spring' race, where the outcomes varied based on voting results, and failing to achieve unanimous votes would result in a makeup penalty for all. Guests Lee Seung-hyub and Park Ji-hu introduced their SBS drama 'Spring of Youth' as "a youth music band drama with elements of romance and mystery."
Choi Daniel jokingly asked, "So, are you playing office workers in it?" drawing laughter and mock indignation from everyone. He then quipped, "Is it called 'Four Seasons of Insurance'?" Ji Suk-jin confessed, "I thought it was about insurance too," and Choi Daniel added, "With all the drama titles these days, like 'The Divorce Insurance', I thought it was another story about insurance companies."
Lee Seung-hyub revealed it was his first appearance on 'Running Man' in ten years, surprising everyone. He had participated in a 100 vs. 100 special episode a decade ago, invited by Ji Suk-jin himself. Ji Suk-jin feigned ignorance, saying, "I don't know you?" but it turned out they were from the same agency back then. Yoo Jae-suk joked, "These things happen so often, no hard feelings," causing an uproar of laughter. Ji Suk-jin cheekily added, "I'm glad to see the seeds I've sown have grown so well."
The first penalty vote was for 'Ji Suk-jin and Yoo Jae-suk to find five people with the surname Park in Chuncheon'. The members praised the two, but Ji Suk-jin and Yoo Jae-suk opposed, leading to a failed unanimous decision. The second penalty vote was between 'everyone completing a 3000-piece puzzle in 6 hours' and 'three members, including HAHA, taking a 30-minute car ride to ride a swing'. The sudden increase in penalty difficulty led to complaints against the 'two brothers', Ji Suk-jin and Yoo Jae-suk, and their departure from the plan resulted in another failed unanimous decision.
The final penalty vote was between 'everyone kayaking for an hour' and 'five people getting hit with an ink bomb'. Failure to reach a unanimous decision would mean a makeup penalty for all in the next shoot. The members promised Lee Seung-hyub and Park Ji-hu exemption from the penalty if they chose the ink bomb, but both names appeared in the vote results. Ultimately, Yoo Jae-suk, HAHA, Ji Suk-jin, Choi Daniel, and Lee Seung-hyub received the ink bomb penalty.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)