Running Man
Running Man (2010) is a long-running South Korean variety show that debuted in July 2010, blending elements of game show, variety, and comedy. Originally categorized as an "urban action variety," the program features a regular cast of celebrities and various celebrity guests who participate in a series of missions, challenges, and games set in different urban landmarks. These activities often involve physical comedy, strategic thinking, and the show's signature "name tag ripping" eliminations, where participants aim to remove their opponents' name tags to win. The show has evolved over its many seasons, broadening its format from simple urban chases to more elaborate game concepts. The target audience for Running Man has shifted over time, with an initial age rating of 12+ that was later raised to 15+. This adjustment reflects a growing awareness of and response to various content concerns, including the intensity of physical games, instances of suggestive humor, and the use of strong language. Despite these controversies, Running Man maintains significant global popularity, celebrated for its dynamic cast chemistry, engaging competitive games, and consistent ability to deliver humorous and often suspenseful entertainment to its dedicated fanbase across Asia and beyond.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe show frequently features physical gags, competitive games, and intense chase sequences, most notably the 'name tag ripping' game. While largely comedic and slapstick, some games have been criticized as potentially dangerous, leading to viewer discomfort and concerns for cast injuries. The intensity has varied across seasons and specific missions.
In Episode 576 (October 24, 2021), a 'flour game' involved cast members hitting each other's faces with pads, causing Jung Jun Ha to appear to have tears and Kim Jong Kook to react with surprise at the impact, leading to viewer complaints about violence and potential injury. In a November 2020 episode, a 'rubber band game' where members stretched multiple rubber bands over their faces caused visible pain, with Jeon So-min exclaiming, 'it almost squeezed my eyes out,' drawing criticism for being sadistic and insensitive to safety.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe show often incorporates 'lovelines' (implied romantic pairings) among cast members and guests for comedic purposes, such as the 'Monday Couple' between Song Ji-hyo and Gary. While explicit sexual acts are absent, the show has faced official warnings for suggestive behavior and '19 gold memes,' indicating occasional inappropriate content.
In an episode aired on April 2, 2017, cast member Haha was criticized by the KCSC for 'grabbing a member's vital points' during a game with guest Choi Min Yong, leading to a recommendation for inappropriate behavior. On August 26, 2018, Lee Kwang-soo pulled down Kim Jong-kook's pants during a bar game, resulting in legal sanctions from the Korea Communications Commission for sexual harassment. The incident also included suggestive subtitles referencing female cast member Jeon So-min.
Profanity
MediumThe show has received official warnings from the Korean Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) for vulgar and inappropriate language. Although many instances of stronger language are translated euphemistically in subtitles, specific incidents have been cited for problematic profanity.
On May 27, 2018, Lee Kwang-soo called guest AOA's Hyejeong a 'ggot-bam' (a Korean term with vulgar connotations implying 'gold digger'), which sparked criticism despite attempts to censor the subtitle. In the July 14, 2013 episode, guest Sulli used the Chinese profanity 'Chao Nima' (肏你妈) during broadcast, prompting the KCSC to recommend action against the show for abusive language.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumRunning Man has featured themed episodes that utilize supernatural, ghost, or zombie concepts as fictional premises for games and missions, often set in 'haunted' locations. These elements are presented for comedic or suspenseful entertainment within a game context and do not promote actual occult practices.
Episode 98, titled 'Mystery Zombie Race,' involved the cast on an island facing a zombie outbreak, creating a thrilling and suspenseful game as they sought to identify and avoid infected members. Episode 364, 'Summer Special: Finding Ghosts,' featured cast members attempting to uncover and escape from two 'ghosts' among them during a couples' retreat, blending suspense with humorous interactions.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe show frequently creates suspenseful and intense situations through its competitive game formats, especially during 'name tag ripping' chases, escape-room-style missions, and episodes with mystery or horror themes. These elements are crafted for entertainment and comedic reactions rather than genuine horror.
The 'Yoo-mes Bond' special series (e.g., Episodes 91 and 140) features Yoo Jae-suk as a secret agent tasked with eliminating or re-imprisoning other members using a water gun, creating high-stakes and thrilling chase sequences praised for their movie-like tension. Episodes involving haunted houses or 'other worlds,' such as a segment in a global project episode at Fuji-Q Highland's haunted house or Episode 463 'The War of The Deities: Hades' Revenge,' involve frightening 'creatures' and spooky atmospheres designed to elicit comedic fear from the cast.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumA central comedic aspect of 'Running Man' revolves around the cast members' frequent bickering, teasing, and 'betrayals,' particularly embodied by Lee Kwang-soo's 'Icon of Betrayal' persona. While often played for laughs and based on underlying camaraderie, these interactions can sometimes involve mild disrespect or defiance of game rules.
Lee Kwang-soo frequently engages in acts of 'betrayal,' forming alliances only to break them for personal gain, leading to comedic exasperation from members like Kim Jong-kook and Yoo Jae-suk. In the May 15, 2016 episode, other members, including Hong Jin-young and Kim Jong-kook, overrode game rules to take Lee Kwang-soo's food, causing him to 'rebel' and prompting viewer criticism over the perceived unfairness and lack of intervention from the production team.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowComprehensive searches for LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or representation within the 'Running Man (2010)' South Korean variety show yielded no specific results or discussions. The show primarily focuses on the competitive and comedic interactions of its predominantly heterosexual cast and guests, without overt LGBTQ+ content.
No specific examples of LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or discussions on gender identity were found within the content of the 'Running Man (2010)' TV series through direct searches.
Substance Use
LowOvert substance use, such as illegal drugs or excessive alcohol consumption, is generally absent or heavily censored in 'Running Man' due to South Korean broadcasting standards. However, there has been one notable incident involving electronic cigarette use.
In an episode aired on April 19, 2015, Ji Suk-jin was briefly shown smoking an electronic cigarette. This was deemed an editing mistake by the production team, who later apologized for the oversight. There are no reported instances of drug use or glorification of excessive alcohol consumption within the main broadcast of the show.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowSearches for anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious acts within 'Running Man (2010)' yielded no relevant results. The show's content is focused on entertainment, games, and celebrity interactions, not religious commentary or criticism.
No specific examples of anti-Christian themes or content were found in the 'Running Man (2010)' TV series.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
15+ (Teens 15 or older). The show was initially rated 12+ but was later re-classified to 15+ due to concerns regarding vulgar language, suggestive behavior, and the intensity of some physical games, as noted by the Korean Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). Younger viewers may find some content, particularly the physical gags and implied romantic situations, inappropriate or confusing.
Additional Notes
The content intensity and nature in 'Running Man' have evolved over its long run. Earlier episodes and certain game formats might exhibit more intense physical interactions or less refined humor compared to later seasons, partly influenced by KCSC warnings and viewer feedback. Parents should be aware that while the show is generally lighthearted, the comedic elements often stem from competitive situations, mild deception, and exaggerated reactions, which could be misinterpreted by very young or impressionable children.
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