On the November 1 broadcast of SBS's "Running Man," a race unfolded featuring 2026 Asian Games medalists Lee Hyun-jung and Kim Min-jong.
During the broadcast, the cast embarked on the "Nanlizabeth Race to the Medal" alongside the medalists. The mission was to visit popular restaurants tailored to the two medalists' meal routines and combine hints hidden at each location to unravel a secret.
It was announced that a half-don gold medal would be awarded to the three individuals who solved the mystery, raising everyone's anticipation. The remaining members who failed would all receive a penalty.
Lee Hyun-jung, having suffered a rare defeat in quiz basketball, leaned his exhausted body against Jee Seokjin's reserved seat. Jee Seokjin expressed his true feelings indirectly by asking, "Isn't it uncomfortable there?" drawing laughter.
While traveling between locations, Kim Jong-kook asked Lee Hyun-jung, "Where did you learn English? You sound a bit like Black kids." Lee Hyun-jung replied, "I went to an American university, and during COVID, I spent a lot of time with Black friends. My English improved a lot back then," drawing attention by sharing that he attended Davidson College in the United States, the alma mater of Stephen Curry.
At this, Yu Jae-seok highlighted Lee's dedication to the sport, saying, "Hyun-jung went to the NBA Academy in Australia all on his own for basketball. At a time when he couldn't speak any English at all." Yu Jae-seok also asked, "After winning the Japanese professional league, you turned down a 2 billion won salary offer and are currently pursuing your NBA dream. How did you make such a decision?"
Lee Hyun-jung revealed his ambition for a larger stage, answering, "Because I wanted to compete against players overseas."
Once all meal courses were completed, the members moved on to dessert and had to choose between Lee Hyun-jung's or Kim Min-jong's menu selection. Lee Hyun-jung stunned everyone by choosing soy sauce egg rice (ganjang gyeran bap)—which had already been his breakfast menu—once again as his dessert.
Upon seeing Lee Hyun-jung actually eat soy sauce egg rice as a snack, Jee Seokjin only made stirring motions with his spoon, making the members laugh. Jee Seokjin then asked Lee Hyun-jung, who was happily eating the bowl even after a full meal, "When you eat snacks like this, doesn't your dad say anything?" Lee Hyun-jung answered, "He asks, 'Just one bite,'" sparking bursts of laughter.
The final hint obtained by the cast that day was a photograph showing the Statue of Justice holding a ruler and a weight on a scale.
The members connected this to an earlier hint indicating "feet" and began making deductions. Upon spotting a high jump bar and a large scale placed at the final location, they initially stepped onto the scale.
After Kim Jong-kook, Kim Min-jong, and Yang Sechan failed, Yu Jae-seok, Lee Hyun-jung, and Jee Seokjin also learned their attempt was incorrect, prompting them to deduce the puzzle again.
At that moment, Yu Jae-seok seemed to realize something and quietly called over Jee Seokjin and Lee Hyun-jung. He drew attention by saying, "Between 310 and 320, you know what that is, right?"
The three quickly stepped onto the scale holding various items. The moment the scale passed 310, the success signal appeared, and they cheered in celebration.
Yu Jae-seok then revealed that they succeeded thanks to Lee Hyun-jung's clue, explaining, "The hint Hyun-jung received earlier was 'a photo pointing to Kim Min-jong's foot to a photo pointing to Lee Hyun-jung's foot.' Hyun-jung told us that his foot size is 320 and Min-jong's is 310. Getting a clue from that, I realized we had to match the weight in between."
Gold medals were presented to the three winners. Meanwhile, the remaining members received water slaps as their penalty. Lee Hyun-jung volunteered to take part as well, saying, "Please give me one too," drawing attention.
Even after filming wrapped up, Lee Hyun-jung had the cast members and Kim Min-jong sign his signature "Running Man" name tag, and the members and Kim Min-jong warmly cheered on his journey to the NBA, creating a heartwarming moment.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.