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SBS's long-running variety show 'Running Man' continues to enjoy steady popularity, having surpassed 800 episodes, and currently features seven fixed cast members: Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun. Since its first broadcast in July 2010, the program has been a Sunday evening staple for 16 years, with the chemistry among its members providing significant entertainment to viewers.
The original members, Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, and Song Ji-hyo, have been with the show since 2010. Each has an official nickname: Yoo Jae-suk is the 'Variety Prankster', Ji Suk-jin is 'Hugh Grant of Jamwon-dong', Kim Jong-kook is 'Kim Jjijji in summer' and 'Kim Manager otherwise', Haha is the 'Mustache pretending to be youngest among '79 liners', and Song Ji-hyo is 'Red Horse'. Yang Se-chan, who joined in 2017, is referred to as 'Kim Jong-kook's comfort doll', and the youngest member, Ji Ye-eun, who joined in December 2024, has the on-screen nickname 'Ddochi'. Regarding appearance fees, Yoo Jae-suk reportedly earns over 25 million won per episode, Kim Jong-kook approximately 8 million won, Ji Suk-jin over 6 million won, Haha around 5 million won, Song Ji-hyo and Yang Se-chan each over 3 million won, and Ji Ye-eun over 2 million won.
Bloggers have expressed that episodes featuring only the cast members, without guests, are particularly enjoyable, and they hope 'Running Man' continues until its 1000th episode. They also note that the fixed characters of the members enhance their value as advertising models, contributing to indirect income beyond their broadcast appearance fees, emphasizing that each member's unique personality is a key factor in the show's longevity.
