'Running Man' Yoo Jae-suk Wins Ji Seok-jin's 60th Birthday Race, Gifts Prize Money to the Birthday Man

Ji Seok-jin rang in a very happy 60th birthday.

The Feb. 22 episode of SBS’s "Running Man" threw a full-on birthday bash for Ji Seok-jin.

The celebration kicked off a special “Great Jitseubi” race in his honor, with members collecting “Wangko Coins” while enjoying the party.

But mid-party, all the Wangko Coins stored in the safe suddenly vanished. A chase to recover the missing coins began.

With cash prizes and penalty immunity on the line, members hunted for hints and pieced together where the coins might be.

Some suspected the disappearance was a setup by Ji Seok-jin himself. Yoo Jae-suk even pulled a cheeky hint-swap prank on him, cracking everyone up.

As the race heated up, news hit that Kim Jong-kook―who had the most coins―was out. Panic spread among the members.

Song Ji-hyo questioned Ji Seok-jin, asking if he had staged it. He denied it. Then, as she tried to pass, Ji Seok-jin grabbed her, and HAHA joined in to hold her back.

Ji Seok-jin ultimately eliminated Song Ji-hyo―after having already eliminated Kim Jong-kook earlier.

Because this was a 60th birthday special, Ji Seok-jin was granted an advantage: he could have an ally. He chose HAHA, and the two teamed up to find answers and take out strong competitors one by one.

With members dropping out, only Ji Seok-jin and Yoo Jae-suk were left. Both were close to the final answer when they crossed paths in a corridor.

Ji Seok-jin told Yoo Jae-suk, “I could eliminate you, but I’ll let you go,” and tried to slip away. Yoo Jae-suk closed in and grabbed him.

Ji Seok-jin had already used up all his eliminations. Yoo Jae-suk still had the right to eliminate someone. He eliminated Ji Seok-jin, snagged the final hint, and secured the coins.

Yoo Jae-suk won 1,000,000 won and immediately said, “Of course I should spend it on Seok-jin hyung,” generously putting the prize toward Ji Seok-jin’s 60th birthday present.

Production then offered a double-or-nothing group challenge if everyone cleared it. After a few tries, the members succeeded and took home 2,000,000 won. Ji Seok-jin suggested using the prize for a team dinner, ending on a warm note.

The penalty of the day was to gather video messages from citizens congratulating Ji Seok-jin on his 60th. Ji Seok-jin drew the penalty ball and picked himself and Ji Ye-eun.

The Ji duo met citizens after the others wrapped and collected heartfelt congratulations, giving Ji Seok-jin a touching memory to keep.

In the final moments, former PDs gathered to offer a deep bow to celebrate his milestone, and footage showed the cast enjoying a coffee truck sent by global fans―wrapping the special with a flourish. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)