"Running Man" recorded an upward trend in viewership ratings for three consecutive weeks, bolstered by the stellar performances of Asian Games medalists Lee Hyun-jung and Kim Min-jong.

On the November 1 broadcast of SBS's "Running Man," basketball player Lee Hyun-jung and judo athlete Kim Min-jong, who competed at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, appeared as guests for the "Medal-kkaji Nanlizabeth" race. The episode maintained first place among entertainment programs in its time slot with a 20-49 demographic rating of 2.2%, while peaking at 5.9% per minute amid three consecutive weeks of rating increases.

In the day's first mission, "Quiz Basketball," Lee Hyun-jung showed a weakness in the quiz despite his overwhelming physical stature and could not prevent his team's defeat. Seeing a disappointed Lee Hyun-jung, Yu Jae-seok comforted him by saying, "Life isn't that easy," sending the set into laughter.

On the other hand, judo athlete Kim Min-jong showed off his unexpected cooking skills and charming duality, evenly slicing pork neck and vegetables with his cherished knife right from the opening.

In the final race, Yu Jae-seok, Jee Seokjin, and Lee Hyun-jung emerged victorious and earned the gold medal. When the remaining members were slapped with water as a punishment, winner Lee Hyun-jung volunteered to experience the punishment himself, saying, "Please give me just one slap too." Proving himself to be a true "Running Man kid," he delivered a delightful conclusion to the episode. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)