'Running Man' captivated viewers with a bizarre survival race hidden behind lighthearted experiential activities.

The episode of SBS 'Running Man' that aired on July 5 featured unique activities and a shocking survival race, recording a target viewership rating of 2.3% among the 20-49 age demographic. This is a significant increase from the previous week, securing the No. 1 spot among entertainment programs in the same time slot and ranking first among all Sunday entertainment shows that day. The peak viewership rating per minute also surged to 5%. (Based on Nielsen Korea, Seoul metropolitan area households)

The episode featured Miyeon and Minnie of (G)I-DLE, who are preparing for a comeback, as guests. From their first appearance, the two heated up the atmosphere by performing the point choreography for "Crow," a pre-release track from their 9th mini-album 'We made,' and the title track "Gimme Dat Love" for the first time on television.

The race was themed "If You Live, You'll Get a Lump Sum," where members had to earn money through various activities. As unique experiences like visiting a mystic peach farm were revealed, Miyeon displayed seasoned variety show skills, showing great chemistry with the regular members, while Minnie drew constant laughter with her innocent and harmless charm.

However, the true highlight of the race was the twist of a "survival experience" hidden in the second half. The members fell into chaos when an unexpected hidden mission was revealed: to end the race in a peaceful atmosphere, they had to identify and eliminate the "water ghosts" hiding among the humans.

Yoo Jae-suk, using his sharp instincts, combined hints hidden throughout the village to discover that the true name of the race was not "If You Live, You'll Get a Lump Sum" but "Sal.Mok.Ji" (an abbreviation), raising the tension to its peak.

Following this, an intense elimination battle unfolded between the water ghosts trying to hide their identities and the humans trying to find them. After an unpredictable chase, the great efforts of Yang Se-chan and Miyeon in the final moments shone through, and the human team ultimately defeated the water ghosts to claim final victory.

Meanwhile, 'Running Man' airs every Sunday at 6:10 PM.

Reported by Kang Sun-ae

(Photo: SBS Entertainment News)