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Sunday 6 April 2014

Running Man Family (Why I love Running Man)

You know what I love most about Running Man? Aside from the intense and hilarious moments? The Running Man team’s bond. The only show where I can really tell that they’re one unit, one team, one family. No other show gives off the same vibe. Sure you’ll have betrayal moments during games, and playful bickering between members; but underneath all that you can clearly see how much each member cares about each other. 




Take Song Ji Hyo for example; she’s known to be the ‘Ace’, always mentioned to be top 3 in terms of prowess, and can match any man out there, but the members still  take care of her. Episode 28 with Kim Byung Man as the guest, during the karaoke game, Kwang Soo is clearly seen looking out for Ji Hyo as she climbed onto one of the gym equipment, even waiting there patiently until the game ended. Later on in the episode, Kwang Soo used his tall frame to shield Ji Hyo from splattering grapes. 
During the water game in Episode 138, twice Ji Hyo was knocked into the pool and both of those times Yoo Jae Suk and Kim Jong Kook tapped her on the head to check if she’s okay. 

Haha who is known to be pretty much scared of anything, couldn’t catch one of the chickens during one of their games. Ji Hyo, being the fearless princess she is, gracefully caught one of the chickens and gave it to Haha to take back, even if she loses the game. Small things like this reminds us fans why we love the show so much. Why the show has garnered enormous success. 

Ji Suk Jin and Yoo Jae Suk, have been close together for 20 years. Always trying to reveal their secrets to playfully threaten each other. A friendship that transcends the television screen; which can be applied to pretty much the rest of the crew. Gary, Haha and Jong Kook are always eating together after filming. Kim Jong Kook, Lee Kwang Soo and Song Joong Ki drinking together (not KJK, he just listens without drinking alchohol because he’s a health buff). Truly a family all around. 

Note: Watch the video of Kim Jong Kook calling Song Ji Hyo during one of his presentations. So funny to see how they talk to each other. 




To take a look at their relationships on a deeper level, we can see how some of the members other than Ji Suk Jin and Yoo Jae Suk, interacted before Running Man. I’m aware that Gary, Ji Hyo, Kwang Soo, Joong Ki were pretty much variety rookies at the time but Haha and Kim Jong Kook (as well Yoo Jae Suk) were already close during their X-Man days. A lot of people don’t know this, but Haha and Kim Jong Kook weren’t just a part of the show, they had a special connection during X-Man. If you watch old clips of the two, you can see how Haha would imitate his ‘hyung’ by dancing to Turbo songs (Haha is a great dancer btw as well as KJK). Through this, Kim Jong Kook was able to relive his old Turbo days and in a way, break out of his awkward stage where he didn’t think he could dance anymore due to his back injury. I see it as their friendship allowed Kim Jong Kook to dance again, as corny as that sound.




Their characters on X-Man were competitive and constantly battled out to impress the girls (such as Yoon Eun Hye). Yoo Jae Suk being the MC (along with KHD), were always there to urge them on. Forward to the present where the three are still together, along with the 4 other members and you can truly see how their bond has persevered. From battling it out with Haha dancing to Black Cat and asking Kim Jong Kook to join him in X-Man, to Nae Dongsaeng and Uri Hyung in Running Man.
In a way, it’s a perfect metaphor for Running Man as a family. I feel their bond will definitely last the ages, and they will forever be immortalised as a legendary TV Show. I love Running Man, and I will always and forever cherish my two hours a day every Tuesday to watch this amazing show, and thats really why I made this blog. To release my thoughts to the world, and the interact with other like-minded Running man fans.

Saturday 29 March 2014

Top 31 Running Man Guests

Disclaimer - I am basing my thoughts on the notion that these guests did not need any special care. They are the guests that almost fit into the Running Man system perfectly where the established members didn't have to go out of their way to accommodate these guests. These guests made the episodes better.

1. Park Ji Sung




In my mind, there is no other guest that surprised me more than Park Ji Sung. I remember seeing the preview of his episode and thinking, "A football player, not going to be the funniest episode." Boy, was I in for the shock of my life. Park Ji Sung was so hilarious, and his wit was off the charts. Especially for someone who has no experience with variety shows - he was incredibly at home with the Running Man members and vice versa. No other explanation needed for this one. Easiest number one in my opinion.

Personally, I'd love to see him on at least 2 more episodes. Maybe with more name tag ripping to really showcase his speed.

Appearances: Episodes 96, 97, 153 and 154

2. Jung Yong-hwa




Is Yong-hwa even a guest anymore? The dude literally has the most appearances, and for good reason. Yong-hwa is just naturally funny, especially on Running Man. He's probably the one guest that Running Man doesn't need to set up anything for, because of his numerous appearances. He's also highly athletic and has a number of impressive moments (Ripping off Jong Kook's name tag included).

We haven't seen the last of Yong-hwa on Running Man, but I especially want him to be involved in vintage hide-in-seek again. Aigoo my stomach!

Appearances: Episodes 7, 11, 17, 35, 36, 72, 73, 104, 127, 129 and 186

3. Choi Min Soo




I know I've given Choi Min Soo flack in the past for his third appearance (frankly, I thought it was just plain offensive) - but you cannot deny that his first two episodes are some of the best. Choi Min Soo literally came out of left field with his appearance. I had no idea who he was (besides that he is an actor), and certainly did not expect that his presence would be of such a magnitude.

I think Choi Min Soo can appear again, as long as he doesn't center the entire episode around him - as well as focusing too much on scaring the members. More natural like his first appearance.

Appearances: Episodes 52, 53, 69 and 118

4. Han Hyo Joo




Admittedly, I was already a Han Hyo Joo fan before she appeared on Running Man. I had seen Shining Inheritance and thought she was extremely beautiful. But a lot of guests are beautiful, though no other guest actress had gone through what Hyo Joo experienced when she appeared on Running Man. "The first actress in Running Man who we treated poorly." And the fact that she still managed to play it off so well, even getting a terrible perm mid episode, mad kudos to her. Definitely, an actress similar to Song Ji Hyo - in that I'm prepared to do anything kind of way. She's definitely a great sport.

Areum Dapta! Hyo Joo should definitely appear on more episodes, I feel like she can only get even better.

Appearances: Episodes 123, 124, 151 and 152

5. Suzy



The nation's first love, and seemingly Running Man male member's first love as well. Time and time again, they are always mentioning for Suzy to come on. She's extremely cute and outgoing as well. She doesn't seem to be stuck up, and I think that's why Running Man loves her so much. Her amount of appearances as well gives her this position on the list, I feel as though, if the PD's need a safe and sure female guest that won't disappoint, it's Suzy. Definitely a guest that people like seeing.

Appearances: Episodes 55, 93, 94, 117, 155, 171, 172, 173

6. Ryu Hyun Jin




Why are all the sport stars such great guests? Is there a reoccurring theme going on? I think so. Basically Running Man PD's - get all the Korean sport stars on the show. This gentle giant is the same case as Park Ji Sung. If you think about it, they almost had identical appearances. Park Ji Sung - superpower soccer. Ryu Hyun Jin - superpower baseball. Both had spy missions. Both are extremely hilarious.

Ryu Hyun Jin could appear again, but he has pretty much done everything besides a hide and seek segment. Maybe there's an idea for his next appearance.

Appearances: Episodes 119, 171 and 173

7. Park Bo Young



The ultimate Monday Couple fan. She's the most adorable guest I've ever seen, even Running Man can't stop saying she's cute. A definite great guest and doesn't seem to be out of her element as well when she's on the show. She was also one of the first great episodes on the show, and her numerous appearances after, showed how loved she is. She's so bubbly and playful, whilst not being over the top. I'm also a big fan of her movies btw. (keke)

She should definitely appear more. Her appearance in that Choi Min Soo episode was definitely too little, and she shouldn't be apart of a group when as a guest. Definitely needs a solo or duo appearance.

Appearances: Epiosdes 25, 118 and 181

8. Park Tae Hwan




MARINE BOYEEEE! His theme song though. When you have a theme song, you know you're legit. Who would have thought that two Olympians would have delivered two of my favourite episodes (don't worry, Son Yeon Jae is just a further down). Park Tae Hwan is Kim Jong Kook's perfect match. They're are hilarious when they're so competitive. Definitely a great guest and obviously needs a second appearance. My favourite moment of his was when he showed his sudden burst of speed to catch up to Kwangsoo (one of the fastest guests)?

I'd like to see a sports special with Park Ji Sung. Imagine a race between Tae Hwan and Ji Sung. Or Ji Sung trying to catch Tae Hwan. OMG, GENIUS

Appearances: Episodes 109 and 110


9. Nichkhun





Like Yonghwa, Nichkhun has been on plenty of episodes. In a way, they're slightly similar. He's ultra athletic, and tends to win a lot as well. Both are in boy groups (although CNBlue is more of a band). Nichkhun is the type of guest that isn't too much of a bother, he's easy going and isn't tiring to watch. Sincerely seems like a nice guy.

Appearances: Episodes 4, 5, 19, 40, 50, 51 and 104

10. Lee Da Hae



She might not be the most memorable of guests as she has only appeared in two episode (consecutive episodes) - though she could very well be the best spy guest on Running Man. Completely fooling and manipulating Yoo Jae Suk and Gary, with her adorable 'innocent-bipolar' behaviour that even frustrated the national MC, whilst actually controlling the members in doing the dirty work. She won the race without using much strength, which also resulted in one of the most hilarious final races in recent memory.

Appearances: Episodes 82 and 83


11. Kim Soo Ro



Game Devil. Family Outing. Need I say more? In my opinion, the one non-athlete that can take Kim Jong Kook one on one and beat him. And it's a complete bonus that his appearances brings back so many nostalgia feels (Stepmother Soo Ro), as well as so many laughs. Definitely a powerhouse in terms of physicality. His appearances seems to always be epic as well - I will never forget that moment he tackled Kim Jong Kook's team into the water during the pool game. Complete all-kill.

Kim Soo Ro definitely needs to appear more, hopefully with Lee Chun Hee (Family Outing reference). Man, a hide-and-seek with Kim Jong Kook on the other team would be the cherry on top. Notice how hide and seek is in all these "I hope it happens" moments.

Appearances: Episodes 67, 68 and 138

12. UEE




Yoo, Lee, I miss You! The beautiful UEE has been on a couple of episodes already, but I can't seem to get tired of her. She's incredibly pretty and has a great charm to her. She also has great interaction with Lee Kwang Soo, and I could definitely see a love line happening if she decides to guest again.

Appearances: Episodes 34 and 137

13. IU




IU is very similar to Suzy. She's a definite safe bet when PD's need a good guest to compliment another. She's so cute and adorable, and also has a killer instinct. She is seriously dangerous in a name-tag ripping game. You would never know it, but she thinks two steps ahead on who she wants to eliminate. Scary girl that one.

Because of her numerous appearances, she's a sure thing for this list.

Appearances: Episodes 43, 77, 96, 97 and 168

14. SNSD




I decided to bunch the entire girl group together, along with episodes where only a few members appeared. A highly anticipated guesting, which delivered nicely. It's relatively hard to have a good idol/large group guesting episode but I really enjoyed SNSD's guest appearances. They're witty, funny and beautiful all at the same time. Yuri, Taeyeon, Jessica and Yoona are the stand out guesting for me.

Appearances: 14, 39, 63, 64, 111, 112 and 141

15. Jackie Chan




The legendary Jackie Chan. I contemplated on putting the Hollywood star in the top 10, due to the fact that he's freakin' Jackie Chan, but I decided not to. Don't get me wrong, Jackie's episode was great and the fact that he could speak a little Korean was an added bonus, but it wasn't an episode that had to be replayed over and over.

Appearance: Episode 135

16. Lee Joon




The ever so clumsy Lee Joon. He's often incorporated into idol Olympics, and can even shine when with a lot of guests due to his 'dumb' moments. I feel that Lee Joon (like Yong-Hwa) is one of those guests that can fill in for a member for a day, which is what Lee Joon did for Gary in one of his guest appearances. A great guest with great potential to be an ace (his speed outran all the cameras).

Appearances: Episode 8, 104, 108, 129, 162

17. Kim Soo Hyun




For some reason, I had already half expected that Kim Soo Hyun would be a great guest. He just has that face that screams entertainment. Kim Soo Hyun's first episode was good, but his second episode was where he shined. Although not as high production, a simple race and acupuncture track showcased how funny Kim Soo Hyun is.

I think a couple more good appearances, and he'll definitely rise up this list.

Appearances: 102 and 147

18. Han Ga In




Admittedly, I had to re-watch her episode to realise that 'Hey, she's a great guest.' I was on the road of looking for an actress that had the same feel as the Han Hyo Joos and Park Bo Youngs, and Han Ga In was it. She was witty, funny and would have made a great spy. Her 'true love' with Haha was also hilarious.

Appearances: Episode 87

19. Ha Ji Won




Ha Ji Won is actually one of my dad's favorite actresses (fun fact), so I was excited to see her on my favourite TV show. Totally worth the watch, great episode and great guest. She's fun and has some aegyo to her which was unexpected. How bad she wants to be involved in the last name-tag ripping game was also extra cute. Definitely needs another appearance.

Appearances: Episode 86

20. Son Yeon Jae




If you've read my other posts you would know how much I love Son Yeon Jae. If I actually did this list on pure bias towards a female guest, she would be on top. Olympian + Cute + Pretty = Win. Her episodes are probably my most watched. She's definitely doing something right, because I just found her to be so perfect. Totally my type. (Yes this entire description was pure fanboygasm)

Appearances: Episodes 109 and 110

21. Lee Seung Gi




Lee Seung Gi was pretty much a sure thing when he was expected to guest. He's already known for hosting Strong Heart (at the time), and I had already found him to be quite funny. The reason why he's not higher on this list is probably due to the fact that others had less variety experience than him (granted Kim Soo Ro has some but come'on; nostalgia bro). Plus the guests above him sort of surprised me more, if that makes sense. Basically, I had expected a great guesting from Lee Seung Gi and I got it.

Appearances: Episodes 120, 121 and 174

22. Noh Sa Yeon





She's fierce and hilarious at the same time. The lion queen herself. She's relatively known as being a hassle to team up with, but she deals with it through humour. Definitely a must watch guest and her episodes never fail to make me laugh. Some of the most enjoyable episodes have been her guestings.

Appearances: Episodes 49, 103 and 137

23. Dae Sung




Big Bang's Dae Sung would be higher on this list, but unfortunately (in my opinion) because he was with Big Bang, he wasn't able to shine as he's able to if he was a solo guest. With his first appearance, he was able to relive the Family Outing experience with Yoo Jae Suk and therefore they were hilarious (also nostalgic) together. I wish he has more appearances like this, along with the other FO members. An episode with Dae Sung, Chun Hee, Jong Shin, Soo Ro, Ye Jin and Hyo Ri would be great. RM vs FO if you will (Genius idea).

With that said, Dae Sung is the best at variety from Big Bang for me, with Seung Ri coming in second.

Appearances: Episode 35, 36, 84, 85 and 163

24. Yoo Ah-in




A lot of people probably don't remember Yoo Ah-in, but he stands out in my opinion. His one episode was hilarious and I see a lot of potential in him. He was witty, had leadership qualities in the cook off, and was definitely one of those Park Ji Sung type guests where the members are so comfortable with him. Case in point, "Yoo Ah In, anyonggg".

Appearances: Episode 164

25. Lee Jong Hyun




Lee Jong Hyun isn't the most active of guests unlike his band-mate Yonghwa, but there's something about Jong Hyun that is just likeable. His 'TV watching mode' is always on, where he essentially just enjoys the entire episode, smiling throughout. He genuinely seems like a great guy, and therefore it transcends onto his guestings.

Appearances: 127, 129, 138 and 186

26. Moon Geun Young




Moon Geun Young is also one of those actresses that I've wanted to appear on Running Man. I remember seeing one of her movies when I was younger and was so excited for her appearance in RM. The X-Man theme + Her Guesting was an instant success in my mind. Also, she developed a nice love line with Kim Jong Kook and that really brought the episode home for me. Great overall episode.

Appearances: Episode 114 and 115

27. Choo Soong Hoon




He has one of the most intense tag-ripping scenes in the history of life. Ok, maybe not life but Running Man. (Although Running Man is life)
Anyways, Choo Soong Hoon definitely is at the top of the food chain when it comes to formidable guests. No other guest comes close physically (despite the other MMA fighter who guested as Hulk for a brief moment, his name escapes me). Strongest guest (strength wise) for sure.

Appearances: Episodes 131 and 150

28. Kim Woo Bin




Due to his Australia appearance, I've decided to include both Woo Bin and Rain on this list (Woo Bin being higher due to number of appearances). Woo Bin is in the same league as Lee Jong Hyun. He gets along well with the members and can truly flourish if he's given a few more chances. I put him on this list because I predict he will appear again.

Appearances: Episodes 138, 166, 188, 189 and 191

29. Choi Si Won




Choi Si Won would have been higher on this list, if he could have replicated the same sort of flare he had in his first episode. Unfortunately, due to guest appearances with other guests (like Jackie Chan), he wasn't able to fully express himself. Nonetheless, his random hand gestures and enthusiasm granted him a place on this list.

Appearances: Episodes 22, 75 and 135

30. Son Ye Jin




Son Ye Jin is a top-star actress with the same tenacity as other actresses on the show, but her appearance didn't seem to over do it, like with some other female guests. She wasn't overly controlling and annoying, which is a rare commodity among female actresses/guests. See the above listings for other actresses that are also great guests.

Appearances: Episode 70

31. Rain




Rain seriously needs another appearance which allows him to showcase more of his physical abilities. I feel that Rain is one of those people that can actually beat Kim Jong Kook one on one, but unfortunately he wasn't able to showcase it in his appearance. What he did show was his comedic side, partnering with Lee Kwang Soo as well as a hilarious dance moment with the other members. Another appearance will definitely sky rocket Bi higher on this list (possibly in the 10-20 range).

Appearances: Episodes 188, 189 and 191

Honourable Mentions:





Friday 28 March 2014

How perfect is Song Ji Hyo?





Ok, I get it. Running Man is a variety show, some of it is scripted. I know that. I also know this: if there is a variety show with the least amount of scripting, it’s Running Man. Guests have said it over and over again, “I was surprised they didn’t give me a script.” So even after all this, how is it possible that an actress can bloom in a variety show?

I credit some of this to her peers. She’s next to the Nation’s MC, the grasshopper, the gentleman - Yoo Jae Suk. Probably the one person you want to have next to you if you’re not adept at variety shows. He’ll laugh and commend your jokes, make you expand and ride the appropriate character, little things that can make guests and people around him comfortable. In my opinion, that’s what Kang Ho Dong lacks in a way. KHD isn’t as guest-friendly, and can overpower and pressure people that aren’t very expressive.

But back to Song Ji Hyo and Yoo Jae Suk, the candy alliance if you will. She has arguable the most loved MC as a backbone. But alongside YJS, she has Ji Suk Jin (an experienced comedian/announcer). Alot of people, who have seen Song Ji Hyo’s first episodes, are probably distasteful of Ji Suk Jin’s constant nagging on Song Ji Hyo, case in point; when Miss Mong was unable to jump over the hurdle in the swimming pool, and Suk Jin promptly said “What are you even good at?”
But people don’t realise at that particular moment, Suk Jin introduced Ji Hyo into the variety world. Variety shows are all about  adapting - you will need to be able to take anything. I see that as ‘baptism through fire’, an initiation test if you will - to see how Ji Hyo handles it. And like the perfect girl she is, I distinctly remember Ji Hyo saying moments later “I’ll try to do better”.



And she did.  Song Ji Hyo proved that she’s not the type of actress that doesn’t like to do the dirty work, or is scared to break a nail. Constantly we are faced with female guests that do exactly that, and we are reminded even more of how different our precious ace is. It doesn’t matter if she’s bare faced, or applying makeup during filming - she’s doesn’t care as much about her image and she just does it. She just goes for it.



Looking back on Ji Hyo’s progress, she’s changed so much - much like the rest of the team. She’s one of the most loved women on korean TV, and the rest of the world really. And yet, no matter what happens - she still maintains her bubbly, cheerful, caring and blank image. It’s hard to fake these things.

Side note: I find it so freakin awesome how the members treat Song Ji Hyo like a princess. It’s not that obvious but you will constantly see the male members protecting her (Kwangsoo holding her chair if she’s standing on it, Yoo Jae Suk and Kim Jong Kook patting her head to see if she’s alright, Gary being Gary, Haha and Suk Jin giving her food when she’s eating).

God, I love Running Man.

Thursday 27 March 2014

Best Running Man Episodes

DISCLAIMER: I have always contemplated on doing this list, and I think this is the time to do it. Unlike other lists, I will not make this one set in stone; meaning the order can be changed at any time as well as additions can be added. Keep in mind this is my opinion, and it shouldn't be taken as fact. Do comment on what episodes are your favourite!

NOTE: There is no ranking order. None of these are from 1-10 and is just a random list of the best RM episodes (IMO).


So LETS BEGIN! 


SUPERPOWER Episode (Ep. 74)

Once in a while, you will find an episode which will make you literally go "Wow!". This is the epitome of those kind of episodes. From start till end, you will find yourself laughing, cheering and your heart pounding because this episode has it all. From name tag ripping, to cool super powers and Monday Couple moments.

Those amazing superpowers though! (Time Controller was my favourite by the way)



That twist though! (I did not see that coming, seriously made the episode twice as good, literally)


Them Monday Couple feels though!


Yooruce Willis (Episode 13)

This episode isn't on many people's lists as one of the best, because it wasn't as flashy or as high production as other episodes. But this episode is what got me hooked on Running Man. I remember watching this episode on the day it came out, completely on the edge of my seat. In my opinion, this type of format still brings back so many memories/nostalgia. The standard Running Man format for the early episodes was games, games and name tag ripping all in one building/area. Name tag ripping was always the last game, and made you so excited when it finally hit that segment.

The hilarious Lee Kwang Soo antics


This moment


The famous Yooruce Willis name tag defining moment that left me in utmost shock and awe



SURVIVAL, Best Running Man Competition Episode (Ep. 42)

This was an obvious choice. Running Man - name tag ripping, see who's the best. Go! (That's pretty much what the PD's had intended and boy did it deliver a show).
Such a simple concept, such fun to watch. Truly a classic episode and I hope they will make this a regular (The second battle being also on this list)

"The guy with two lives"


Tell me you haven't imagined yourself in name tag ripping game. Man how I wish I can join in. Would be LEGENDARY (How I Met Your Mother reference for those who care)


Park Ji Sung Episodes (Episode 96, 97 and 153, 154)

I decided to lump together all of Park Ji Sung's appearances. Literally every episode the Oxygen Tank appears in is pure comedic gold. The guy has a serious knack for variety shows, more so than any other guest. I feel that Ji Sung should appear in at least 2 more episodes. I expect him to again continue that tradition in this years Asian Dream Cup.

The Oxygen Tank himself
Olympics Episode (Son Yeon Jae, Park Tae Hwan) (Ep. 109, 110)

MARINE BOYEEE! Seriously, I can't help but sing along to that theme song. Park Tae Hwan and Son Yeon Jae delievered an incredibly enjoyable episode(s) full of laughter and fun. Park Tae Hwan is a total bad-ass as well.
Note: I'd also like to add that I have a massive crush on Son Yeon Jae. Not creepy at all because I'm younger than her (not by much though). She is so adorable and pretty ASKLJDLASAS FANBOY MODE

Seriously? Look how cute she is!


I'd also like to factor in the incredible name tag - ripping game (episode 110). Literally even the staff were shocked when Park Tae Hwan and Kim Jong Kook were revived.


Choi Min Soo HUNTING (Episode 52)

I'd like to make a note of the fact that only episode 52 is on this list. Choi Min Soo's second appearance was good (but the fact that the rest of the members weren't really involved threw me off).


- Small Rant Begin - 

I did not find Choi Min Soo's third appearance to be particularly entertaining and somewhat distasteful. He literally took scripted variety to an all time high. Some of the stuff he made the Running Man members do were somewhat annoying, and borderline offensive. I don't blame him for trying to replicate episode 52's aura, but it wasn't the same.
Also, where the hell did Park Bo Young go? Maybe the subs I was watching didn't explain her absence, but she just disappeared.

- Small Rant End -

Anyway, Choi Min Soo's first appearance was so well done. Throughout the episode, we are lulled into a peaceful game with snippets of what's to come. The episode literally took a 180 into scareville'. The final moments of the episode were one of the best, also props to Ace Jihyo for still pulling off the win.



SNSD Special Episode (Ep. 63)

I admit, I used to be a huge SNSD fan, you might even have called me a SONE, if you will. Note: SONE is the name of SNSD's fandom members. So when the news came out the SNSD would be on Running Man, I was ecstatic - hell I was more than ecstatic. I literally could not wait until this episode came out. 
Naturally, when I saw this episode - I fanboyed for the whole 2 hours or so. It was actually kind of weird, since right after the episodes finished and I went down from my Girls Generation high, I was actually turned off from watching Running Man for a few weeks. I felt like Running Man couldn't get any better. Obviously, I was wrong and stupid for thinking that; it's also kind of funny looking back at it now that I'm not really into SNSD as much. 

But all in all, it was a good two episodes and it was hilarious to see the men of Running Man enjoy themselves for two episodes. Kind of sucked that Ji Hyo was sick at the time.




Baseball Super Powers Episode (Ep. 119)

Another one of those 'good guests = good episode.' Here we have great guests in Ryu Hyun Jin and Choo Shin-soo. Jin Se-yeon was also a guest, but didn't really stick out much. Who would have thought that two baseball pros would make such amazing variety show guests.
I feel that if this was any other show than Running Man, those two guests would have been bored to death. 
The final baseball game is definitely the highlight of the show, other than Gary's all-kill in ddakkji. 



Kim Byung Man Episode (Episode 28)

I thought long and hard about whether or not to include this episode, because it didn't have amazing beginning (Find the Guest wasn't my favourite). But the segments in between and the end was unforgettable. I realised that when I was thinking back on the episode, I was getting nostalgic. And if that doesn't signal best episode, I don't know what will.

The diet karaoke will forever be my go-to episode for boredom. When I've got nothing to do, I'll chuck on this episode and enjoy away. The sheer fun that the members are having, with the return of Turbo Kim Jong Kook and Haha dance copycat, reminded me of their X-Man days. Monday Couple was also in full effect. Also, Sudden Commander Gary's first appearance with the win on Byung Man's challenge.

This episode wasn't special in the conventional way, but it worked so well and I had so much fun watching it that it has to be included on this list. 


Fool Gary Episode (Ep. 60)



This episode was definitely different. This was the first time where we centered an entire episode on fooling a member of the crew. Usually we’d get a segment in the beginning (a 1 vs x) sort of thing. Basically the entire premise of this episode was to fool Gary into thinking that he was a spy, which all the members did perfectly and humorously.

The great thing about this episode was how mysterious it was. You’d think that after fooling Gary, the plot would end there - but interestingly, the last scene of the episode featured Gary walking with a limp; ala ‘Usual Suspects.’ To this day, no-one knows for sure if Gary knew the entire time (because Gary is known to not be able to lie well). Man, if he did; that would be the greatest prank.

Well you've reached the end of this list, technically this doesn't exist because this list will always be updated. I will definitely add episodes once I re-watch all the episodes, as well as new episodes that come out. I still need to contemplate if the episode is amazing, or just great. Pretty much all episodes are good/great. Also, I tend to watch episodes when I'm eating something, and I usually have certain episodes that I love watching whilst eating - and this doesn't necessarily make the episode amazing; but fun to watch whilst eating, if that makes any sense whatsoever.