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: