The recent episode of SBS's 'Running Man' aired on the 8th recorded a 1.7% viewership rating in the target demographic of ages 20-49, securing the number one spot in its time slot, with a peak viewership rating soaring to 4.6% (according to Nielsen Korea, metropolitan area, household-based).
This episode featured a 'Draw-Your-Way Road Trip' race, where the fate of the members was literally in the hands of Yu Jae Seok's drawing skills, capturing attention from the opening with its unprecedented difficulty level. The production team challenged Yu Jae Seok to draw pictures within five seconds and then presented these to the other members, stating, "Everyone must gather within 30 minutes for the opening to start." The members were shocked by the unrecognizable drawings, with HaHa exclaiming, "Even Dream didn't draw like this when he was one. What is this?" causing an outburst of laughter.
The opening location was Bongeunsa Temple, and after a series of twists and turns, the members had to follow the directions given by citizens based on Yu Jae Seok's hastily drawn pictures. If they managed to enjoy all three designated outing spots by 4 PM, they could clock out; otherwise, they all faced a penalty of riding the Gyro Swing.
The first drawing was supposed to represent Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Yu Jae Seok drew whatever came to mind, leading Yang Se-chan to nervously guess, "Is it a pound cake?" The citizens' wild guesses included a movie theater, a grill, and Jangchung Gymnasium, proving Yu Jae Seok's 'clumsy artist' skills. Struggling to progress in the mission, HaHa resorted to mouthing 'DDP' to finally lead the team to the correct answer.
The second drawing was of a cold raw fish soup. Given only five seconds to draw, Yu Jae Seok managed to sketch a fish, a bowl, and chopsticks, which a citizen quickly identified as 'cold raw fish soup,' allowing the members to enjoy it for lunch. An unexpected 'love line blocking' moment occurred when Ji-hyo saw Jong-kook looking fondly at Ye-eun, who was enjoying her meal. Yu Jae Seok didn't miss the chance to tease, "Jong-kook finds Ye-eun cute," to which Ji-hyo retorted, "Look at me like that just once! Do you always have to look at me like I'm an enemy?" Yu Jae Seok's witty comeback, "It'd be weird to start looking at you like that now," had everyone in stitches.
The third drawing was of Namsan Octagonal Pavilion. As the mission's deadline approached, the members cleverly made their way near Namsan and showed the drawing to an employee who had worked there for seven years. The employee immediately guessed 'Namsan Octagonal Pavilion,' and with just four minutes to spare, the members succeeded in taking a group photo at the pavilion, completing their mission and clocking out on time.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)