The episode of 'Running Man' that aired on March 16 recorded a 2.6% rating in the target demographic of '20-49', securing the top spot among entertainment shows in the same time slot. The peak minute rating soared to 5.8%, according to Nielsen Korea's metropolitan area data.
The race of the day was themed around an 'Age Challenge Race,' featuring the signature '2025 version' age challenge shoot of 'Running Man'. This year's shoot took place in the mountains to welcome spring, with the base shooting altitude set at 100 meters above sea level. However, the altitude increased by 10 meters for every 50,000 won spent.
The members had a shaky start with the quiz mission. They needed to answer all questions correctly in a short time, but the 'Kkang Kkang' team provided plenty of laughs. The production team asked, "What is the oldest existing woodblock print discovered at the Seokgatap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple?" Song Ji-hyo answered "Mugujeonggwang Daedaranigyeong" but was corrected by Ji Ye-eun, who humorously added "Mugujeonggwang Daedanani". Song Ji-hyo tried again with "Mugujeonggwang Daedaranipan" but failed, while Ji Ye-eun succeeded with "Mugujeonggwang Daedaranigyeong", stealing the correct answer. Song Ji-hyo, frustrated, exclaimed, "Hey! You, I..." summoning her 'Angry Ji-hyo' persona.
After the quiz mission, the members decided to buy flowers for the shoot. When Ji Suk-jin suggested chrysanthemums and baby's breath, the members jokingly protested, and Yu Jae-seok quipped, "Ji Suk-jin is turning 60 this year," referencing a 'graduation ceremony' for Ji Suk-jin, which drew laughter. Ji Suk-jin humorously responded, "Is today my last day? Thank you all for everything. Be happy."
Additionally, the members caught attention by recommending outfits for each other at a vintage shop. Ji Ye-eun dressed Kim Jong-kook in short shorts and a crop top, saying, "This is originally a fashion for jogging by the Han River. Hot girl," which amused everyone. Yu Jae-seok surprised everyone with a shocking genderless look, confidently stating, "G-DRAGON, I'm coming for you," but HAHA retorted, "Aren't you the lady from 'Snowpiercer'?" The final rankings saw Kim Jong-kook styled by Ji Ye-eun and Ji Suk-jin in a 'sophisticated middle-aged woman look' styled by Yu Jae-seok taking first and second place, respectively.
The final shooting altitude was set at 210 meters, and the members completed the 2025 age challenge shoot at Yongma Mountain. However, due to a final rule prepared by the production team, only those who rolled a dice and got a descent could go down, with all members except Yu Jae-seok having to climb further. Among them, Kim Jong-kook and Ji Suk-jin faced the humiliation of climbing an additional 80 meters.
Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)