10 Of The Greatest "Running Man" Episodes Of All Time
The immensely popular Korean variety show “Running Man” has gained fans worldwide with their unique combination of athletic competitions and zany humor. The cast members all have a witty sense of humor, a fierce sense of competition, and a great relationship with each other. Added to this mixture are amazing guests almost every episode and new games that still keep you entertained after almost 250 episodes! Millions of people tune in every week to watch the program, but somehow there are still people out there who have yet to watch this fantastic show! If you are one of these people, then it’s past time you found out why fans are so addicted by watching the episodes on this list.
For most fans, it would be impossible to choose the absolute best episode ever because they are all super funny and entertaining. In addition, you might like some episodes more than others if your favorite cast member happens to be the “star” of that episode. Whatever episodes you would choose as your favorites, though, hopefully we can all agree that this list includes 10 of the Greatest “Running Man” episodes of all time!
This is one of my all-time favorite episodes because of a few certain moments which left me laughing hysterically. In this episode, Yoo Jae Suk acted as an MC instead of a participant in the race. The popular idol groups of 2NE1 and 2PM were guests on the show, along with artists Jo Jung Chi, Yoon Jong Shin, and Muzy. Apart from the entertaining race and Gary’s epically funny mistake, the real star of this episode was Yoo Jae Suk’s horrendously ugly shirt.
2. Episode 213: It’s Okay, I’m a Chaebol!
I wasn’t expecting much from this episode since it was full of well-known, popular actresses that I wrongly assumed wouldn’t be very competitive. However, from the very first second the show started, I realized it was actually going to be one of the funniest episodes ever! My favorite game in this episode was the mud fight, where poor Kwang Soo ended up serving as a step-ladder for the competitive female guests. Even the regular cast members were surprised to see these funny ladies get downright ferocious in their desire to win.
3. Episode 214: R-POP Star Race Special
With the cast of the drama “My Lovely Girl” as the guest stars, this episode gave us some of the best moments in “Running Man” history as the two groups competed against each in a vocal competition. Considering that singers Rain and Krystal were in this episode, it might surprise you that the “Running Man” cast were actually the ones to bring viewers one of the most entertaining singing moments we have ever seen! Don’t believe me? Check it out. It involved some of the members in drag and with a face full of makeup. Who would have thought that Lee Kwang Soo could make such an attractive woman?
4. Episode 188: Adventure in Australia (along with Episodes 189 and 191)
Although this three-episode special got off to a slow start, it became really entertaining as events unfolded. The “Running Man” cast and guests Rain and Kim Woo Bin traveled to Australia to accomplish a multitude of tasks. Whether scuba-diving for treasure or traveling back to gold-mining days, this special provided viewers with a lot of laughs. My favorite moments from this special? Seeing world stars like Rain and Woo Bin dressed up like kangaroos, Lee Kwang Soo teaching the innocent Kim Woo Bin how to cheat in order to win, and Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Jin attempting to thread beads despite their absolute terror on a small plane ride over the ocean.
5. Episode 140: The Running Man Virus
This episode had so many laugh-out-loud moments, especially to those who are a fan of the super funny Kwangsoo. According to the plot, the world had been infected by a horrible virus which took away the laughter and happiness of people. “Running Man” members had to find the anecdote and return laughter to mankind before becoming infected themselves. Kwangsoo was infected by the virus and spent the remainder of the episode in a complete “rage,” giving the viewers some of the most entertaining moments of the entire episode. Along with a clever plot and a cool setting, this episode is definitely worth a watch!
This episode starts out by showing all the male cast members (with the exception of Gary) choosing to be on the team with guest Choi Ji Woo. Knowing this was how things would turn out if the members could choose their own team, the producers of the show had a surprise in store for Song Ji Hyo (the captain of the other team). They brought four gorgeous young men to be on her team- Jung Yong Hwa and Lee Jong Hyun of CNBLUE, Lee Kikwang of BEAST, and rapper Simon D. From their hysterical race on the beach to an entertaining game of dodgeball, this was one of “Running Man’s” classic episodes.
7. Episode 163: Stealing Princess Ji Hyo’s Heart
Actress Song Ji Hyo is a beautiful and talented woman, but sometimes the other cast members forget to appreciate her fully since they see her every week. With guest stars G-Dragon, Daesung, and Seungri of BIGBANG, this episode turns Ji Hyo into a princess for a day and provides us with a lot of laughs as everyone tries to win her heart. Some of the funniest moments occur when their world-famous guests get absolutely covered in mud while playing a game in a flooded field. Plus, Gary gives Song Ji Hyo a kiss and automatically makes it one of the best episodes ever.
8. Episode 155: The Ghost Mystery
This hilarious episode starts with everyone as students in high school, including their guest Suzy of miss A. After some lighthearted games around the school building, things suddenly take a darker turn. The members must find out which of the students are part of the couple fated to be together. Armed with several clues each, they race around in search of magical mirrors which give them clues. The twist? Scary announcements are made occasionally, telling the students things like one of them will die if they look behind them or one of them will be out if they scream. With these ominous warnings, hilarity ensues as the members desperately search for the answers in the dark, creepy building, while being terrified to turn their heads or do any of the other actions heard in the warnings.
9. Episode 74: The Super Powers Episode
This was the first of the “Running Man” episodes to allow the members to use “superpowers.” Part of the Christmas special, the episode starts off with the usual banter and fun between the cast. Soon though, the producers put everyone in separate rooms where they down a special potion which gives them a super power. From the ability to control time to having four clones to help you in the game, each superpower is pretty awesome and leaves the members scared to eliminate one another without knowing their special ability.
10. Episode 178: Running Man VS PD Team
This episode is one of the classics for “Running Man” fans. Since it was the end of the year, the “Running Man” members go to a meeting with a producer and complain about the rough treatment during the past year. Presenting their demands for changes, they complain of things like having to change their underwear four times in one day or smelling like frogs due to all the water games. As a result, the producers challenge them to a special episode- the tasks are extremely challenging, but if “Running Man” can accomplish them, the staff will get punished themselves with a dump in cold water. Apart from the typical funny moments, there are also some places that will make you teary-eyed. This is an episode not to be missed!
Although there are literally hundreds of fantastic, funny “Running Man” episodes, these are definitely 10 great episodes that will make you laugh and fall in love with each one of the cast members. Despite their betrayals, lies, and determination to eliminate each other, the love and friendship between each member is evident after all these years of filming together. Their camaraderie and sense of humor is what really makes this show so great. There isn’t enough space to talk about all of our favorite episodes, but rest assured that there are plenty more to keep you laughing. For example? Episode 147: The Flower Boy Special, Episode 79: Sherlock Holmes, Episode 98: Prison Break, and Episode 200: The Dream Cup and a Visit to the Zoo. Although it’s impossible to choose the absolute best episodes, these are a few that fans love. Which one is your favorite episode of “Running Man”? Let us know in the comment section below!
See also: 5 Reasons to Watch “Running Man”: The Rundown
lee1086 is a Soompi writer who absolutely adores “Running Man” and tries to make everyone a fellow addict of the program. Her favorite members are Kwangsoo and Haha. When she is not listening to K-pop or obsessing over the perfection of Lee Donghae, she is busy at church or hanging out with her family and friends.
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