Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-pumping journey through the most unforgettable episodes of South Korea’s iconic variety show, Running Man. Join the beloved cast members as they embark on captivating missions, tackle hilarious challenges, and showcase their undeniable chemistry. From epic battles of wit to heartwarming moments of camaraderie, these episodes represent the very essence of what makes Running Man a global phenomenon.
Episode 211, also known as the “Water Bomb Festival,” stands as a testament to the show’s ability to create moments of pure joy. The cast engages in a series of hilarious water-based challenges, from a splashing relay race to a high-stakes water balloon fight. The infectious laughter and camaraderie on display are sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Another unforgettable episode is “The Great Escape,” which aired as episode 273. This thrilling chapter puts the cast’s problem-solving skills to the ultimate test. Trapped in a mysterious building filled with cryptic clues, they must work together to escape before time runs out. The tension and suspense are palpable as they navigate through hidden passages and overcome obstacles. The episode is a masterclass in teamwork, showcasing the undeniable bond between the cast members.
The Running Man of Incheon (Episode 2, Season 1)
Incheon Landing Festival Spectacular
The second episode of Running Man’s inaugural season, “The Running Man of Incheon,” took place amidst the grandeur of the Incheon Landing Festival. This special occasion commemorates the pivotal Battle of Incheon, a pivotal moment in the Korean War. The members of Running Man, along with guest star Lee Da-hae, joined in the festivities by participating in a series of exhilarating challenges and missions.
The highlight of the episode was undoubtedly the harbor race. The members divided into two teams and raced across the Incheon waters on speedboats. The competition was fierce, with each team determined to outmaneuver and outpace the other. In a thrilling climax, one team emerged victorious, earning the coveted Incheon Landing Medal for their efforts.
Mission Table
| Mission | Location |
|---|---|
| Harbor Race | Incheon Port |
| Historical Site Hunt | Wolmido Island |
| Incheon Tower Challenge | Incheon Tower |
The Inception Special (Episode 1, Season 2)
The Plot
The episode begins with the cast waking up in a hospital after being involved in a car accident. They soon realize that they are trapped in a dream world created by the evil entity known as “The Dreamweaver.” The cast must navigate through the dream world and find a way to escape before The Dreamweaver destroys them all.
Key Moments
- The opening scene of the episode, which is a brilliant homage to the film “Inception.”
- The cast’s interactions with The Dreamweaver, which are both terrifying and hilarious.
- The climactic battle between the cast and The Dreamweaver, which is full of action and suspense.
Critical Reception
The Inception Special was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its clever plot, well-developed characters, and suspenseful action. The episode was also nominated for several awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series.
| Award | Result |
|---|---|
| Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series | Nominated |
| Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy/Variety Series | Won |
| Producers Guild of America Award for Best Television Comedy Series | Nominated |
The Return of the Ace (Episode 10, Season 3)
Episode 10 of Season 3, “The Return of the Ace,” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Yoo Jae-suk as the “Nation’s MC.” Billed as the “Superstar Project,” this episode centers around the return of Song Ji-hyo from her hiatus and features a star-studded cast of guest runners.
The episode challenges the cast to complete various missions at iconic locations in Seoul, putting their physical stamina and teamwork to the test. Amidst the intense competition, the camaraderie among the cast members shines through, creating moments of both laughter and genuine support.
Guest Runners
| Name | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Song Ji-hyo | Actress, cast member |
| Lee Kwang-soo | Actor, cast member |
| Kim Jong-kok | Singer, cast member |
| Haha | Singer, cast member |
| Gary | Singer, cast member |
| Ji Suk-jin | Comedian, cast member |
In particular, the return of Song Ji-hyo sparks a heartwarming reunion with her fellow cast members. Her absence had been keenly felt during the early episodes of the season, and her presence immediately invigorates the group. Her participation in the challenges adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the episode.
The Running Man Police (Episode 3, Season 4)
This hilarious episode features the cast members transformed into incompetent police officers investigating a series of bizarre crimes.
The Case of the Missing Underwear
The team’s first assignment involves a strange case where underwear is disappearing from a neighborhood. With their unique brand of humor, the members embark on an investigation filled with ridiculous interrogations and absurd disguises.
The Murder Mystery
In a twist of events, the Running Man Police find themselves entangled in a murder mystery after a body is discovered in the precinct. Chaos ensues as they navigate the crime scene, interviewing suspects, and coming to comical conclusions.
The Final Showdown
The climax of the episode culminates in a high-stakes confrontation with the mysterious mastermind behind the crimes. The cast’s bumbling attempts to catch the culprit lead to a series of misadventures and hilarious blunders.
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Yoo Jae-suk | Chief Yoo, the incompetent inspector |
| Kim Jong-kook | Detective Kim, the muscle-bound brute |
| Haha | Detective Ha, the flamboyant strategist |
| Song Ji-hyo | Detective Song, the enigmatic oddball |
| Lee Kwang-soo | Detective Lee, the hapless sidekick |
The Avengers (Episode 15, Season 5)
The Avengers is widely considered one of the best Running Man episodes in English. It features a star-studded cast of Marvel superheroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and Black Widow. The episode is a thrilling adventure with plenty of laughs and action, and it’s sure to please fans of both Running Man and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Cast
The cast of The Avengers is one of the best things about the episode. The actors all perfectly capture the personalities of their characters, and they have great chemistry with each other. Robert Downey Jr. is especially hilarious as Iron Man, and Chris Evans is a charming Captain America.
The Story
The story of The Avengers is simple but exciting. The superheroes must team up to stop Loki from conquering Earth. Along the way, they have to overcome their differences and learn to work together as a team. The episode is full of action and adventure, and it’s sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
The Comedy
The Avengers is not just an action-packed adventure; it’s also a very funny episode. The cast members have great comedic timing, and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The episode is sure to make you laugh even if you’re not a fan of Running Man or the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Action
The Avengers is full of action. The superheroes fight against an army of Chitauri aliens, and the battle scenes are some of the most exciting in Running Man history. The action is well-choreographed and it’s sure to get your heart racing.
The Ending
The ending of The Avengers is both satisfying and heartwarming. The superheroes defeat Loki and save the world. They also learn to work together as a team, and they form a lasting bond. The ending is a perfect way to cap off this epic episode.
| Cast Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Robert Downey Jr. | Iron Man |
| Chris Evans | Captain America |
| Mark Ruffalo | Hulk |
| Chris Hemsworth | Thor |
| Scarlett Johansson | Black Widow |
The Great Escape (Episode 20, Season 6)
The iconic “Great Escape” episode of Running Man is widely recognized as one of the show’s most unforgettable moments. In this captivating episode, the seven members face off in a tense and thrilling game of hide-and-seek. Their goal is to escape from a secret prison while evading capture from a formidable team of hunters.
The episode unfolds in a secluded, rustic location, adding to the suspense and isolation. As the members hatch their escape plans, they must rely on their wits, cunning, and teamwork to outsmart the relentless hunters. The chase sequences are particularly nail-biting, with the members showcasing their impressive agility and tactical thinking.
Aside from the adrenaline-pumping chase scenes, the episode also features moments of humor and camaraderie between the members. Their interactions, both during the game and in the post-game commentary, highlight the strong bond they share.
The “Great Escape” episode is not merely a thrilling game of hide-and-seek. It is also a testament to the members’ close friendship and unyielding determination. Their ability to overcome adversity and escape their prison is a metaphor for the resilience and spirit of the show itself.
Key Highlights
| Character | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Yoo Jae-suk | Mastermind strategist, leading the escape plan |
| Kim Jong-kook | Physical powerhouse, protecting the team from hunters |
| HaHa | Comic relief, providing laughter amidst the tension |
| Song Ji-hyo | Resourceful and intuitive, using her feminine wiles to evade capture |
| Gary | Stealthy and cunning, disappearing into hiding |
| Lee Kwang-soo | Betrayer, turning on his team for personal gain |
| Ji Suk-jin | Elderly distraction, using his age to confuse hunters |
The Time Travel Race (Episode 8, Season 7)
The Time Travel Race is one of the most iconic episodes of Running Man. In this episode, the cast members travel back in time to different eras, including the Joseon Dynasty, the Goryeo Dynasty, and the三国Period. They must complete various missions in order to return to present day, and along the way they encounter historical figures such as King Sejong the Great and General Yi Sun-sin.
Highlights of the Episode:
- The cast members’ hilarious attempts to blend in with the different eras.
- The challenges that the cast members face while completing the missions.
- The interactions between the cast members and the historical figures.
Breakdown of the Missions:
| Era | Mission |
|---|---|
| Joseon Dynasty | Find the lost royal seal. |
| Goryeo Dynasty | Defeat the Mongols in battle. |
| Three Kingdoms Period | Unify the three kingdoms. |
The Time Travel Race is a must-watch episode for any fan of Running Man. It is a hilarious and heartwarming episode that showcases the cast members’ chemistry and their ability to make anything entertaining.
The Running Man Olympics (Episode 12, Season 8)
The Running Man Olympics is a special episode of the popular South Korean variety show Running Man. It was filmed at the Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and aired on July 12, 2009. The episode featured a series of physical and mental challenges, with the winning team receiving a gold medal. The episode was a ratings success, and has been praised for its entertainment value and athleticism.
Challenges
The Running Man Olympics featured a variety of challenges, including:
- A 100-meter dash
- A 400-meter relay race
- A long jump competition
- A high jump competition
- A shot put competition
- A discus throw competition
- A javelin throw competition
- A pole vault competition
- A archery competition
- A swimming competition
- A cycling competition
- A fencing competition
- A taekwondo competition
- A wrestling competition
Teams
The Running Man Olympics featured two teams of seven members each:
| Yellow Team | Blue Team | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoo Jae-suk | Song Ji-hyo | Kim Jong-kook | Lee Kwang-soo |
| HaHa | Lee Soon-jae | Gary | Ji Suk-jin |
| Park Ji-sung | Kang Ho-dong | ||
Results
The Yellow Team won the Running Man Olympics, with a score of 10-4. Yoo Jae-suk was named the MVP of the episode.
The Battle of the Ages (Episode 6, Season 9)
In this episode, the cast members of Running Man team up based on their ages to compete in various challenges. The episode is filled with hilarious and memorable moments, making it a fan favorite.
The Teams
The teams were as follows:
Team Baby (Born in 1990-1995):
- Jisoo
- Seulgi
- Nayeon
Team Middle-Aged (Born in 1980-1989)
- Haha
- Gary
- Jihyo
Team Veteran (Born before 1980)
- Yoo Jae-suk
- Kim Jong-kook
- Lee Kwang-soo
- Song Ji-hyo
The Challenges
The teams competed in a series of physical and mental challenges, including:
| Challenge | Winner |
|---|---|
| Tug-of-War | Team Baby |
| Running Quiz | Tie |
| Relay Race | Team Veteran |
| Musical Chairs | Team Middle-Aged |
| Mafia | Team Baby |
The Outcome
In the end, Team Baby emerged victorious, winning a trip to Finland. However, all the teams had a great time participating in the challenges and shared many laughs along the way.
The Final Mission (Episode 500, Season 10)
The Final Mission, broadcast in December 2021, marks the 500th episode of the iconic Running Man variety show. This monumental special episode features a grand finale mission that brings together all the cast members, including the long-absent Song Ji-hyo.
The episode is centered around a secret mission to retrieve a legendary treasure. The cast members are each assigned a unique role and must navigate a series of challenges and tasks to uncover the truth behind the mission.
The Final Mission embodies the essence of Running Man with its signature mix of humor, adventure, and camaraderie. The cast members display their unparalleled chemistry and entertain viewers with their antics and competitive spirit.
Yoo Jae-suk’s Mastermind Performance
Yoo Jae-suk, the beloved “MC of the Nation,” shines in this episode as he masterfully orchestrates the mission and engages with each cast member. His exceptional leadership skills and quick wit keep the episode flowing smoothly and add a touch of hilarity.
Song Ji-hyo’s Triumphant Return
The return of Song Ji-hyo, the show’s “Ace,” is a highly anticipated moment. Her presence elevates the episode’s emotional stakes and provides heartwarming interactions with her fellow members. Song’s cunning and competitive nature contribute to the excitement and unpredictability of the mission.
Iconic Moments and Challenges
The Final Mission is filled with memorable moments, including:
- The epic opening race
- The hilarious “Squid Game” parody
- The emotional “Touch Your Heart” game
The cast members face a range of challenging tasks, such as solving puzzles, navigating mazes, and performing daring stunts. These challenges test their teamwork, physical abilities, and mental agility.
Special Guests and Surprises
To celebrate the milestone episode, Running Man invites a host of special guests, including:
| Guest | Role |
|---|---|
| Lee Kwang-soo | Former Cast Member |
| Kim Jong-kook | Special Mission Supporter |
| Ji Suk-jin | Running Man Crew Member |
These guests bring a fresh perspective and add to the episode’s entertainment value. The surprise appearance of Kim Jong-kook, who had previously left the show, is a particularly touching moment.
The Best Running Man Episodes
Running Man is a South Korean variety show that has been airing since 2010. The show features a cast of seven members who compete in various games and challenges. Running Man has become one of the most popular variety shows in South Korea and has also gained a large international following.
There have been many great Running Man episodes over the years, but some of the most popular include:
- “The Great Escape” (Episode 59)
- “The Name Tag Elimination Race” (Episode 63-64)
- “The Han River Cruise” (Episode 107-108)
- “The Running Man Winter Olympics” (Episode 132-134)
- “The Global Project: The Great Escape” (Episode 160-162)
These episodes are all full of action, humor, and excitement. They are a great way to get to know the Running Man cast and see them at their best.
People Also Ask
What are the most popular Running Man episodes?
Some of the most popular Running Man episodes include “The Great Escape” (Episode 59), “The Name Tag Elimination Race” (Episode 63-64), “The Han River Cruise” (Episode 107-108), “The Running Man Winter Olympics” (Episode 132-134), and “The Global Project: The Great Escape” (Episode 160-162).
What is the highest rated Running Man episode?
The highest rated Running Man episode is “The Great Escape” (Episode 59), which received a rating of 13.1%.
What episode did Running Man go to China?
Running Man went to China for the first time in Episode 160-162, which was part of the “Global Project: The Great Escape.”
