Running Man - Episode 1
Added 2025-02-16 19:13:13 +0000 UTCWe’re diving into the very first episode of this legendary variety show, and it’s already delivering on the chaos and comedy!
Jae-suk is ready to introduce the two competing teams when an unexpected problem arises—the sunroof terrace might have seemed like a great location, but not in the pouring rain. One by one, the regulars and guests arrive, leaving those who came out first getting progressively more drenched as they wait for the others. With no umbrellas in sight, they’re forced to get creative just to stay dry.
Once inside Seoul’s Times Square mall, Team Expensive and Team Cheap are finally given their mission. To escape, they must solve a series of clues to unlock the exit code—all before the mall opens again in the morning. Sounds simple? Not quite.
What follows is a sequence of utterly chaotic and hilarious mini-games, many of which seem only loosely connected to the overall goal but are endlessly entertaining to watch. And then there’s the Hopping Chicken Fight—a ridiculous showdown with a most unexpected hero.
What an incredible way to start our Running Man journey!
Comments
truly legendary
lelmDR.WHO
2025-07-11 22:49:57 +0000 UTCKwangSoo and JoongKi are in the Hyung Squad that KyungSoo belongs to.
Sandi Henry
2025-03-24 00:00:06 +0000 UTCSince you are getting to watch biggest hit, I have to recommend 100 vs 100, it's episode 271-272 and partner of fate special, episode 155. I there a place where I can give some more recommendations?
Magic Shop in SVT space
2025-03-07 22:35:04 +0000 UTCThe only eps I’m going to recommend are idol appearances so I won’t even bother 😭 I know you guys will get to them eventually lol
doribo
2025-02-20 21:54:53 +0000 UTCI suggest the good episodes! Like the IU’s episode, Jisung Park’s episode and the other episode featuring the K-pops artist, like 2pm, Snsd and etc.
Iffy PH
2025-02-20 14:42:05 +0000 UTCI’m team just watch like the popular episodes because ep 1-100 all in order is a long commitment but im down for anything ill watch regardless❗️❗️💕💕
Shamya Mckoy
2025-02-20 00:41:29 +0000 UTCit is definitely not necessary for you to watch every episode, sorry to the council. i would suggest watching one of the series. another reactor is watching the grasshopper hunter series and really enjoying it. it’s 4 episodes 52,53,69, and 118 but i haven’t seen 118. also 225 was my first episode and i absolutely love it so i’ll recommend that as well
Cy
2025-02-19 08:41:44 +0000 UTCoh the council would hate me. i love running man but have not seen any of eps 1-100 so i'm watching this for the first time also lmao but i get the concept and i love song jihyo and i know all other past members. but i've only mostly seen episodes with the idols i stan lol
jeonghan’s noona
2025-02-18 20:09:53 +0000 UTCI'm definitely on team 'you need to watch the first 100 episodes in order' buuuuut if you are not willing to do that then watch episode 7 then 12 then 13....and then report back for further recs 😂
JD
2025-02-18 00:38:59 +0000 UTCIn the eps 171 & 172 Exo is only there for a very very short time (mostly edited out). I think the best Exo episode would be ep209 with Kai, Sehun and Taemin... it has some very very funny moments. Just my thoughts.
PhilosopherPalace
2025-02-17 22:09:43 +0000 UTCRunningMan is the longest running Korean Variety Show of all time.... over 700 episodes.... if you want to react to it i would really really really advise you to watch the cult episodes, rather than in order. Also, the concept changed over time. I highly recommend ep74 (Superpowers Special, my absolute favorite and also of many of my friends) ep100 (Gods Special, simular to ep74 elimination game concept). If you want idol guest specials... my recommondations would be ep129 (members vs idol guests) and ep162 with 7 idol groups on the show. However, RM has a loooong history and lots of ups and downs and changes of show concept. Its crazy that its still running.
PhilosopherPalace
2025-02-17 22:05:41 +0000 UTCI really appreciate you letting us know either way ❤️
Simon Chilley
2025-02-17 18:48:27 +0000 UTCThat's absolutely fine, I was just wondering whether it was just part of the kocowa edit or a one-time thing or something on my end but it didn't hinder the viewing experience at all so don't worry!
Eresseä Noldothrond
2025-02-17 18:23:45 +0000 UTCWe did have a couple of audio issues with this one, but I'd hoped I'd been able to smooth them out. Apologies that they were still causing an issue
Simon Chilley
2025-02-17 17:14:51 +0000 UTCI was just wondering if there was any reason why the audio would suddenly go quiet every now and then throughout the episode or that was also the case for you guys?
Eresseä Noldothrond
2025-02-17 17:03:35 +0000 UTCI know EXO appeared a few times on the show: - All of EXO (growl era): eps 171 & 172 (2013) - Kai and Sehun (Taemin was in there too I think: ep 209 (2014) - DO (where you'll see a glimpse of his friendship/shenanigans with Kwangsoo): ep 372 (2016)
Tala
2025-02-17 14:48:25 +0000 UTCYou guys need to watch all episodes !! at least the 100 first ! all jokes starts in the earlier episode.. and this show is so funny
Diakité Sama
2025-02-17 11:23:45 +0000 UTCCan we have episode 104? It's called Running Olympic, they invited idols from different groups teamed up to compete with RM members.
Zaaa
2025-02-17 08:23:50 +0000 UTCLee Hyo Ri is so beautiful that the only diss people could utter about her physical traits is that her gums show when she smiles. Like how is that a diss even? She's a 1st gen kpop queen (from FinK.L)... While, the other female guest Hwang Jung Eum is a drama queen. She has bright personality but when she acts. her eyes is like a waterfall. I LOVE RUNNING MAN, esp the first seasons! You checking this out is making my heart flutter of excitement... You MUST see EPISODE 2, no kidding. Because that's the first appearance of their last regular member (for seaaon 1) -- Our ace, ever wonderful Song Ji Hyo💕
krizhe ming
2025-02-17 07:15:13 +0000 UTCChronology of the members : • The members who remains from the first episode until now are: Jae Seok, Suk Jin, Jong Kook & Haha • Jihyo joined at ep 7 and remains a member until now • Joongki left at EP 41 to focus on acting. • Gary left at EP 324 and got married soon after • Sechan and Somin joined at EP 345. However, Somin would later leave too at episode 679 to focus on her acting career while Sechan remains a member until now. • Kwangsoo left earlier at EP 559 for the same reason as Joongki & Somin • Yeeun officially join RM at EP 733 until now. So currently they have: Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Haha, Song Jihyo, Yang Sechan and Ji Yeeun as regular members
Ruby Bailey
2025-02-17 06:11:50 +0000 UTCI hope if 1 hour video split into 2, it would be in the same week 🙏🙇🏻 pleaseeee 🥹
Am
2025-02-17 05:14:48 +0000 UTCI think Lilo got the best recommendation
Am
2025-02-17 04:49:25 +0000 UTCThe introduction are important you know 😆 you can't just jump to random episodes without knowing nothing about the show
Am
2025-02-17 04:44:00 +0000 UTCTruth be told, even as a long time rm fan, i have never seen episode 1 too. But now I realise the editing is so different here. I feel weird watching it
Ruby Bailey
2025-02-17 04:08:51 +0000 UTCThis convinces me to continue subscribing to your patreon. I'd love this to be a weekly thing although i dont expect you to do all of the episodes. It's just too much 😂
Ruby Bailey
2025-02-17 04:04:16 +0000 UTCThere are of course many wonderful episodes. so many. But episodes i often watch, with some of my favorite moments that you should see are: episode 178 (the running man cast vs the producers), episode 209 (famous mud pit episode with wonderful guests you maaaaaay recognize), and episode 469 (an anniversary 9 year episode, where the running man cast are in front of a crowd and talk, s=do skits and performances)
revnamjin
2025-02-17 03:22:23 +0000 UTCRunning Man is the best. It helped me learn about new people and more about the Korean culture. Although I stopped watching after the original members started leaving. I love these old episodes. I know you can't watch all but I suggest watching it on your own time or whenever your free. The marvel ep, the prison break one or the spy ones are the best!
actually 24
2025-02-17 02:52:07 +0000 UTCIve been watching running man since i was 14 and now I’m 28 and still watching the show although not as religiously as before but i basically grew up with the show and i just want to say you will not regret this at all😍 P/s : Btw I think you guys should just follow sesamekat9 guide for this one too🤣
Umara Aqilah Haris
2025-02-17 02:39:26 +0000 UTChttps://aminoapps.com/c/k-pop/page/blog/11-best-running-man-episodes-with-idols/N1IM_u4nbvDJL4gQPYZ4kEoMzY8NLl
RC Ceazars Camba
2025-02-17 02:27:03 +0000 UTCI think the great thing about seeing episode one is seeing the beginning of what will become the most legendary variety show cast of all time. They're all so perfect in different ways. You can see why Jongkooks nickname on the show was Sparta. He was made for this lol he very quickly established himself as the one to fear and beat if you wanted to stand a chance. Some of my favourite moments from the show is him just tackling people haha. Jaesuk and Seokjins friendship and banter. Haha's quick humour, Gary being the cutest human. Kwangsoo giving us unserious and slapstick. It really is the greatest show. I'd recommend taking episode recommendations from the people who are fans of the show rather than just picking idol episodes as it truly would be a waste otherwise, you definitely wouldn't see the absolute best of the greatest korean variety show of all time.
CalamityJay
2025-02-17 02:09:49 +0000 UTCEpisode 2.
Mini
2025-02-17 01:41:31 +0000 UTCi hope you eventually make it to the episode with txt!!
huening pie
2025-02-17 01:13:16 +0000 UTCAigoooo the conversation at the beginning about Hyori hahaha you've only seen her in Refund Sisters, the project group with Hwasa, Jessi and JungHwa.
CalamityJay
2025-02-17 01:04:04 +0000 UTCEveryone is the regular cast except the two girls. Then Song Jihyo was added in ep7.
yane
2025-02-17 01:01:09 +0000 UTCCommenting to boost! This is the best suggestion list I've seen so far ❤️
CalamityJay
2025-02-17 00:54:25 +0000 UTCAmazing!! I’m here for the ride. Running Man, best show of all time!! Especially if you’re a huge K-pop/K-drama fan.
Dustin Koga
2025-02-17 00:33:17 +0000 UTCMy favorite episodes are 271st and 272nd episodes were the 100 vs 100 Race. I really enjoyed the interviews between the competitions. Where HaHa had the people he invited to come thought they were coming to help out in a gang fight. The dance and gymnastic battles between Got 7 and some twins. I also love the first episode, The race between Hyo Lee (?) and the young girl is hilarious, I never knew Hyo Lee could be so competitive.
Sue E.
2025-02-17 00:26:01 +0000 UTCI don’t really remember about the next episodes but please don’t miss episode 14 😬 Ohh and episode 12 too Lol, honestly is stopped watching this show at the 400s I might have to rewatch from the start if i wanna recommend 😂
Arcfrost17
2025-02-17 00:05:34 +0000 UTCOMG!! My Runner heart is sooo happy 🥰🥰
moonboowon_1713
2025-02-16 23:55:59 +0000 UTCA note about Running Man episode numbering: I don't know why but a few years in, the numbers changed?? but that was so long ago that I think most newer fans would have the "right" numbers. My fave episode of all time is ep 74, the second strongest of the strongest episode, and I have affection for Finding Gary (which Seventeen parodied with Finding KSY where they had to find Hoshi in a similar way) which I don't remember the episode number. Watching along with the first episode, I can't believe how many Running Man memes are here from the start -- calling Yoo Jaesuk "Grasshopper" (the Grasshopper Hunting episodes are legendary), the use of the High Kick Through the Roof ending song, Kwangsoo's ridiculous sad song because things never go his way... amazing. I feel like this series is so integrated into Korean culture now that the memes and trends it started probably wouldn't even be obvious to first-time viewers because they were so constantly replicated afterward -- for example, even the early format of the show with running games and tearing nametags. Seriously, back in the day, it felt like everyone was watching this show! Even if it's not every episode, I will enjoy the nostalgia :) edit: Finished the ep. To answer the question: the first core cast after a few episodes turned out to be Yoo Jaesuk, Ji Seokjin, Haha, Gary, Lee Kwangsoo, Kim Jongkook, Lizzy from After School, and Song Joongki. However, the most well-known central cast is when Song Jihyo replaces Lizzy and Joongki also exits. "What has Haha been on?" before this, he wasn't well-known for variety -- he was known as a rapper. Much like Jongkook was more known as a singer, and now most people would think variety first. I don't remember episode numbers so I'm useless for must-watch eps in order. Thank you for this! Makes my heart happy :)
jung
2025-02-16 23:26:21 +0000 UTCWell, I tried to summarize the first 200 episodes in which I think are the most important, funny and with familiar guests. At the beginning of Running Man, many chapters came in doubles, like when they went to Australia, Vietnam or even when they went camping. Due to these the factors, the chapters have things in common.
Lilo
2025-02-16 23:25:17 +0000 UTCYour list is has a lot of episodes in common to when I asked ChatGPT what the most essential episodes out of the first 20 episodes are across all running man fans on the internet. This is what it said are the most eessential of the early ones: Must-Watch Episodes (1-20) Episode 1 – The very first episode! It sets up the original cast and format. Even though the missions are different from later episodes, it’s important for context. Episode 2 – The fun begins! This is where you really see the variety of the cast, and it starts setting up early dynamics. (Jihyo's first episode) Episode 3 – First-ever name tag ripping! This is huge because it becomes one of the most iconic games in Running Man. (note from me: not true since there was some name tag ripping in episode 1) Episode 7 – A fun turning point! The cast is getting more comfortable with each other, and the missions are more engaging. Episode 10 – One of the most well-received early episodes, featuring a great combination of strategy and betrayal. Episode 13 – This episode has a legendary hide-and-seek game that fans love. Episode 18 – The first time they introduce Yoo-mes Bond, which becomes one of the most legendary concepts in Running Man history. This alone makes it a must-watch. Episodes You Can Consider Skipping (But Still Fun) Episodes 4-6 – Some of the earlier episodes before the cast really gets into their stride. If they want to move along faster, they can skim these. Episodes 8-9 – Not bad, but not necessarily essential compared to later episodes. Episodes 11-12, 14-17 – More of the early format with fun moments, but not as many game-changing elements. But, like you, I also would include Episode 4. The pool part is so funny. I have to go back and watch some of the other early ones to see. Edit - almost forgot that Episode 12 has the famous Monday Couple moment in the rain 😭
SesameKat9
2025-02-16 23:00:37 +0000 UTCYessss so exciting! Ep 250 with bigbang is my number 1 reccommendation tbh
Lo
2025-02-16 22:51:12 +0000 UTCI'm so excited that you’ve started watching Running Man! I’ll always insist that, if possible, it’s best to watch everything. It’s not really necessary to watch in order—I watched it randomly at first and still enjoyed it a lot. But later, I did go back to the beginning to understand the inside jokes. That being said, there are some episodes that are a must-watch early on because they show which members are part of the fixed cast and which ones join later. Now, there are quite a few episodes I’d love to recommend, especially those featuring idols you already know and others that are just hilarious or totally crazy. I highly recommend episode 2 because it marks the beginning of the Ace of the cast, who later becomes an official member. So here are my recommendations: 2, 4, 8, 9, 13, 18, 21, 38, 51, 56, 68, 70, 75, 79, 84-85, 88-89, 91, 93, 94, 102, 103, 104, 109-110, 112, 115, 127, 129, 133, 135, 138, 145, 147, 155, 159, 162, 163, 166, 171 (EXO), 172 (must), 175 (Goblin), 178 (crazy), 184, 193-194 (must), 195, 197, 202-203, 271-272 (MUST/ Seventeen/ Got7). And there are more but for now if you could watch some of these would be great. Most involve idols you know!
Lilo
2025-02-16 22:27:19 +0000 UTCYess 🙂↕️👑
Mali
2025-02-16 21:53:35 +0000 UTCBig bang episodes are amazing and crazy
Po
2025-02-16 21:46:13 +0000 UTCI have never seen the first episode wow!!🤩
Po
2025-02-16 21:45:52 +0000 UTCFROM THE BEGINNING?? THATS CRAZY WORK 🤣
xiumajesty
2025-02-16 21:39:30 +0000 UTCEpisode 254 with Girls' Generation
Suwarno
2025-02-16 20:53:16 +0000 UTCclassic running man is the best. i think ep 74 is all my time fav episode. and the ones where they travel (i.e. hongkong)
mimato
2025-02-16 20:40:51 +0000 UTCYu Jae Seok is an icon! The number one mc in Korea everyone knows him. Love him. I also love Ji Suk Jin and Haha. Kang Gary, Kwang Soo and JoongKi were soooo good in running man before leaving. And Jongkook is from gym videos but also Ateez Black Car Nero as that is his song he was in the group Turbo. Ateez done cover ☺️ Running man was all about running until last few years. Every episode basically ended up name tag running game. gonna go into more context. the regular cast for running man is Yu Jae Seok mc (still on it), Ji sukjin he is eldest member and still on it and almost 60, Kim Jongkook (still on it), HaHa (still on it), Kwangsoo was regular cast and left in episode 559, Kang Gary left after episode 324 and joong ki was meant to be a regular but wanted to focus on acting so his last episode is 41 (which understand cause look how huge of an actor he is now) and the other regular cast member you haven't met yet shes called Jihyo shes from ep 6 (still in it)
Sarah_littlesvt
2025-02-16 20:27:51 +0000 UTCCan I also say I stand by saying having to start at episode one in council even tho Simon understood what you were saying and and I know we aren’t watching them all. It had to be episode 1 😂 Next episode suggestion is defo 7 as it’s beginning of name tag race what they are known for and 38 for yumes Bond theres more of these and 53 choi min soo episode grasshopper vs tiger. yu jae seok made enemies with the wrong person that also leads to multiple episodes
Sarah_littlesvt
2025-02-16 20:14:56 +0000 UTCAwwwwww I love runnningggg man so much. Og cast is brilliant! Love the short time we have with joongki aswell
Sarah_littlesvt
2025-02-16 20:10:29 +0000 UTCI love that you actually went with the first ep even though I think I never watched it and I love running man. Excited to watch it with you
nina host
2025-02-16 19:46:38 +0000 UTCPlease remember to like so they get accurate gauge of how many of us there are that love Running Man! 😁
SesameKat9
2025-02-16 19:38:43 +0000 UTCLee hyori solo / Fin.K.L she’s legend
Yuli
2025-02-16 19:35:20 +0000 UTC
