Few people are prepared to succumb to the Hallyu wave's force, and those who haven't been soaked by the seas of all things Korean may find it tough to wallow in the idol-infested waters. It's understandable to avoid participating in the mushiness as well as overreactions of Korean operas, as well as scrutinizing K-pop idols. But there's also Running Man. And of course, so do I, I really love watching it. And luckily, on the TV connected to my laptop, it shows a summarised video about why you would love the Running Man show. Therefore, let me summarise for you some details I really love when watching this show.
I've been offered the chance here to attempt to win over Running Man fans. As a passionate fan, nothing makes me happier than seeing more and more people turning to the show and becoming addicted to it as I did a year and a half ago. Running Man is a terrific show that should be able to interest everyone, the following are 10 explanations of why you should be viewing it (if you aren't already).
First of all, it is funny for sure. Make no doubt about it. Running Man is one of the most popular variety programs in the world because it is amusing. Almost every aspect of the show will have you in fits of laughter and giggling. Do you not believe me? Check it out for yourself.
Then, it is about name tag ripping - the most popular game of the show. Running Man was the first variety program to use the nametag tearing game as a method of elimination. While it may appear simple at first glance, nametag ripping has its own joys, and your hand may even urge to pull off someone else's nametag as well.
Third, world-renowned guests are frequently invited to the show. Among the celebrities who have competed with the Running Man members throughout the course of its tenure are Jackie Chan, Big Bang, BoA, Patrice Evra, Park Ji-sung, SNSD (Girls Generation), and many other global names. With so many prominent personalities on the show, Running Man also functions as a celebrity variety show.
Fourth, besides the nametag ripping game, there are also a lot of interesting games created by the creative staff. Running Man includes a plethora of games, a few of which are just amusing. These games, which are imaginatively thought out and meticulously structured to fulfil the Running Man requirement of balancing comedy and victory, comprise the crux of each episode. While the games are generally played to choose a winner, the Running Man players made it as entertaining as possible. Winning isn't everything, but in the end, the sense of variety must triumph.
Fifth, the show is recorded in many different locations, which are both in Korea and other countries. Running Man features an astounding array of locales, ranging from museums to curiosity centres and even the City Hall, crisscrossing prominent monuments throughout South Korea. It's also a well-travelled variety program, with special episodes in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Vietnam - our beloved country, much to the delight of their legions of fans. It's like a travelogue, but with more humour.
Sixth, I cannot forget the cast, and the members of the show - the people who always contribute the best of themselves to the popularity of Running Man. Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, HaHa, Kim Jong Kook, Gary, Lee Kwang Soo, Song JiHyo, and recently joined members, Se Chan and So Min, of Running Man are nearly irreplaceable at this moment. They are similarly adored around the world, and even the death of a single member (which was dismissed as just hearsay) can cause much sobbing and gnashing of teeth. If you watch the show for anything, it's for the players and their shenanigans. Each individual has a distinct personality that fans have grown to adore over the course of the episodes. It is not too late to begin today.
Seventh, when you have any pressure from anywhere, which can be either from work or school, this show is for you because it is a stress destroyer indeed. Stress is defeated by laughter. Running Man makes people chuckle. As a result, seeing Running Man relieves tension. Straightforward and simple.
Eighth, different themes are one of the things that I am impressed with this show. As a result, I have never felt bored with any new episode. Running Man is one of those shows that uses a wide range of topics throughout. There is practically nothing preventing the Running Man showrunners from trying to come up with increasingly more ideas for new episodes week after week, including episodes like the Tru-Gary Show, a Prison Break-style Yoomes Bond special, the Superpower as well as Reincarnation episodes, and developing more recent Avengers episode.
Ninth, the relationships among the members are also attractive to the show audiences because they are real, without any acting in them. Aside from the members' own characters on the show, they have also built relationships with fans. The Monday Couple is a prime example of this, but others such as SpartAce, Easy Brother, Betrayal Club, and others have also left their mark on Running Man history. Not only that, but the Running Man cast members have been known to be exceedingly close off-screen as well, demonstrating that their nearly 10-year friendship has evolved from awkward acquaintances to something resembling a family.
Last but not least, Lee Kwang Soo, who used to be the youngest member of the show as well as my favourite cast, has brought a lot of new and unbelievable things to this show. While he was once a quiet and mild-mannered character on Running Man, the Giraffe has subsequently taken on several roles, ranging from betrayer to Icon of Misfortune. It works out well for all of us viewers because Kwang-variety soo's spirit grows stronger with each episode, which can only mean more laughs.
I hope this has convinced you to follow Running Man (if you haven't already) or has increased your passion for the show as a whole. Leave a comment below if you'd like to read an upcoming Running Monday post.