Beloved Running Man cast member Jee Seok Jin has announced a temporary hiatus from the iconic variety show that has captured the hearts of millions – Running Man. Fans were left concerned as the news of his break circulated, citing health reasons for his break from the show that catapulted his name to fame.
Jee Seok Jin has entertained fans of Running Man for 13 years and earned various nicknames throughout the 684 episodes aired. Impala, Big Nose Hyung, Race Starter, and Jae Suk’s Sunflower are some of the monikers the Running Man members gave him.
Big Nose Hyung
Some of Seok Jin's looks from the show
Earning his most famous nickname, Big Nose Hyung, from the show, Seok Jin was one of the original cast of Running Man when it first aired in 2010 on SBS. Known for his comedic antics and dad jokes in the show, he started his career as a singer in the 90s with an album titled ‘I Know’.
However, it was in the realm of variety shows that Seok Jin truly found his stardom. His quick wit, affable personality, and ability to connect with audiences catapulted him to fame. His notable appearances in shows like ‘X-Man’ and ‘Family Outing’ solidified his status as a variety show maestro, endearing him to viewers of all ages.
In 2010, Seok Jin joined the cast of Running Man, a game-based variety show that has become a global phenomenon. A South Korean variety show that combines elements of comedy, reality, and game competitions. The show's format revolves around a cast of regular members and celebrity guests who participate in a series of missions or games, often incorporating elements of urban action-adventure. The overarching goal is to win missions and avoid punishments, all while providing endless laughter for the audience.
A compilation of Seok Jin's funny antics
Running Man Line-up
Running Man's original members
Originating from the concept of urban action-adventure, the show's premise revolves around a group of regular cast members and celebrity guests participating in a series of missions or challenges. The overarching goal is to win missions and avoid punishments, all while eliciting laughs and building unique bonds.
The brainchild of producer Jo Hyo-Jin, Running Man broke new ground by blending elements of comedy, reality television, and game shows. Its innovative format, with a mix of physical challenges and witty banter, made it an instant hit.
The show started out with 9 members comprising Yoo Jae Suk, Jee Seok Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Ha Dong Hoon (Haha), Kang Gary, Lee Kwangsoo, Song Jihyo, Song Joongki and Lizzy of After School, with each of them contributing to the uniqueness of the show.
From left: Joongki, Lizzy and Gary
In April 2011, Song Joongki left the show to focus on his acting career, followed by Lizzy, due to scheduling conflicts considering her singing and acting activities. When the two left departed, the show went on with just the 7 original members before Gary left in 2016 to focus solely on his music career after running around with the cast and crew for 6 years.
When Gary left the show, many longtime fans expressed their sadness as Gary was one of the beloved members and the other half of the Monday Couple pairing with Song Jihyo. Fans even dubbed them the original variety show Love Line in South Korea.
The beloved Monday Couple
After Gary departed from the show, Yang Se-chan and Jeon Somin were added to the cast lineup. In 2021, Lee Kwangsoo announced his withdrawal from the show, citing the ongoing rehabilitation treatment he’s been receiving due to his car accident in 2020. Recently, Jeon Somin bid farewell to the Running Man as well to prioritize her acting career. With Jee Seok Jin stepping down from the show, there are only 5 members left with 4 of them are the original lineup from 2010.
From left: Jaesuk, Jongkook, Jihyo, Haha and Se-chan
Seok Jin Health Concerns
ESteen Entertainment, Seokjin’s agency, released a statement announcing the singer-comedian departure from the show to focus on his health. “He decided to take a break from the SBS variety show 'Running Man' starting from today's filming after a recent health checkup showed he needs treatment. We'll do our best to help him regain his strength after a short break and return in healthier form as soon as possible,” said a rep from his agency.
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There is no announcement yet from the production team regarding whether new members will join the show or an announcement of the show going into hiatus. In the meantime, enjoy our top favourite funny moments throughout the years.
While the future may bring further changes to the cast and format, one thing is certain – the spirit of ‘Running Man’ will endure. As long as there are laughs, challenges, and bonds to be forged, ‘Running Man’ will continue to race through viewers' hearts, leaving a trail of laughter in its wake.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to The Korea Times & various cross-references for context.
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