The Big Running Man Awards 2016 (Nominees)

The Big Running Man Awards 2016 

Qualifying episodes: Episode 281 to 331

안녕하세요! 

So to recap on 2016, which seriously, wtf 2016?! With everything that happened, you took Alan Rickman, gave us Trump, gave us Brexit, AND NOW YOU TAKE RUNNING MAN ?! Have you got no shame 2016?? /sigh.

I'm sorry this year has been a truly terrible year. But, in line with Awards season that all Korean broadcasting stations are having, I decided to have one myself. *hair flip*

LOL. All jokes aside, this was just a recap on the episodes RM had this year.
Let me know if you agree or disagree! 

Best Episode:

1. 285 (Fifth Skills Assessment) 
2. 287 (Interns) 
3. 299 (Centre Race)
4. 296 (Sorry I love you 2)
5. 331 (Bad Santa Christmas)

Worst Episode:
There's a worst for every best, and that unfortunate episode goes to...

1. 309 (LKS Revenge)
2. 312 (Monthly Running Man)
3. 319 (Running Man Go)
4. 290 (Dubai 2)
5. 289 (Dubai 1)
6. 294 (Human vs Machine)

Best Monday Couple Moment:
Is this still a thing? Clearly not. /sobs

1. 288 (MC Date to Jeju)
2. 313 (MC team up)

Best Name-tag ripping game:

1. 314: KJK vs Gary vs Ha-neul

Best Concept:

1. 293 (Majority, Dangerous Unanimity) 
2. 299 (Centre Race) 
3. 285 (Fifth Skills Assessment) 
4. 331 (Bad Santa Christmas)

The wtf/huh/? award:
What happened to the "clamp down on cheating" mentioned in Episode 312?? There were supposed to be referees, but they weren't appearing anymore? Did they scrap the concept when PD Myuk step down?


Best loveline

1. Kim Jong-kook & Soo Ae
2. Lee Kwang-soo & Song Jieun
3. Kang Gary & Hyorin

Best Guest(s)

1. Cha Seung-won
2. Soo Ae
3. Lee Kyung-kyu
4. Ha Jae-sook
5. Yoo Yul
6. D.O (EXO)

Worst Guest(s)

1. Shownu
2. Park Shin-hye
3. TWICE
4. Kim Ga-yeon

Bonus: Educational Ep: 320 (Acquire the consonants)

Saddest moment in RM: 
Gary's departure, without a doubt. 

Initially, this would have been true (given that I drafted this post since awhile back).
But now, it'll definitely be for the end of RM. While I agree, the past year have been lacking in many ways, along with the "characters" the members are supposed to put up. I mean, after 7 years, and multiple injuries, you cannot possibly still hope KJK or any others to put so much into this show. They need to live their lives after the show. So the rumours have been around that RM is dying a slow death, but RM Staff decided to go out with a self-destructive nuclear bomb which made everyone mad at them & love the members a hundred-fold more. 

Which I am now unsure if I'm thankful or pissed off. 



Anyway, the above is purely my opinion, if you have any other inputs or disagree with me, let me know in the comments below! 
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, everyone! 

Episode 331 to 335

Episode 335

Member's Week: Ji Suk Jin
Broadcast Date: 22 January 2017 (Sunday)
Film Date: 16 January 2017 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: None (Ryu Soo Jeong)



I love this episode for everything it represented about JSJ. I loved it so much. From the "solitary" cell to the challenge, I loved every moment of this. He deserves this episode.

Episode 334

Member's Week: Kim Jong Kook
Broadcast Date: 15 January 2017 (Sunday)
Film Date: 03 January 2017 (Tuesday)

Rating: ***

Guests: None (Jung So Young as date)


I'm impressed they got a non-celebrity to agree to this & to go on such a public first date. Apparently she was sincere about the blind date even though she say she doesn't like celebrity? I think it's not funny but it's heart-warming. Which I thought RM should just define what they want to do. Seeing how this is the end, if you wanna do heart-warming, don't do it half-f*? All out make us cry please. It's great to watch KJK going on a "real" date. I'm leaving the quotes in because, tv. Just great if you love KJK, if not, don't bother.. But you'll still watch it lol.

Episode 333

Member's Week: Song Ji Hyo
Broadcast Date: 08 January 2017 (Sunday)
Film Date: 02 January 2017 (Monday)

Rating: ****

Guests: None


LOL. I loved every part of this, even when LKS was so thick-skinned UNTIL~.
So either all these while, JSJ was very good at acting that he "hated" his marriage, OR, they made him "pass" this BECAUSE of the rife it's caused in JSJ real marriage? Either way. JSJ in a VERY different light. Only removed one star cos of the sheep segment. Wasn't remotely funny, really. They could have cut of the sheep segment & extended the 미고사 session. 

With every episode now, I'm sad.. 고마워, members. I'm really going to miss you guys. TT

Episode 332

Running Man Ceremony 2017
Broadcast Date: 01 January 2017 (Sunday)
Film Date: 26 December 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: None, Kim Hwan as host


I love every start of the year episode, purely just from the fortune telling. 
Park Sung Joon fortune teller is just hilarious. LOL.

But honestly this round feels very "coincidental" that SJH and KJK has "good" fortunes and are "paired" together. Call me skeptical, but I think the staff is trying to put more "good" focus on them. You can tell SJH is still upset. She's not fully hundred percent into the filming. While KJK is doing well, but it's a big problem if SJH is going to continue like this. I understand fully that she's entitled to be upset and all, but if it really makes her this uncomfortable, maybe she shouldn't film anymore? Or give her a longer break to recover. It's not easy being in the limelight of such a scandal, more so when you're a strongly private person. She didn't have room to grief. 

Please SBS, fire that guy already. 

Episode 331

Bad Santa Christmas
Broadcast Date: 25 December 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 05 December 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: Kim So-hyun as Host


Merry Christmas 여러분!! 
This episode warms me up in so many ways, the fact that it focused on the interaction among the members, the fact they knew each other so well, and the fact that they simultaneously feel bad and went all out to bully each other. While it was obvious, I loved every minute of it. It warmed my heart so much, and the fact that their telepathy scared even themselves. Especially so since the scandal broke only AFTER they filmed this. For a short moment, I thought we'd have 7012 back again, but we all knew that wasn't going to happen. 

And are you kidding me with that apology RM staff? That's all you're going to do? There'd better be a bigger and better apology from SBS. (FIRING THE PD). 
Seriously. What's taking you guys so long?!

Anyway, please watch this episode, I loved it so much. Hope you do too! <3
Happy New Year guys!!

p.s. I'm in the middle of festivities and all, gifs will have to take awhile. 미안해

End of Running Man

안녕, I've been overseas for holidays for the past 11 days. 
Apologies for the delay in updates!

And as with Murphy's law, the scandal HAD to break while I was overseas.
Needless to say, I was glued to all the news I could get.

So a quick background till date on the scandal.

• It was announced that KJK and SJH are leaving RM, which was worded in such a way that everyone believed it was voluntary. (e.g. Gary) 

(I thought was suspicious that 2 members were announcing at the same time, but I took it nonetheless) Honestly, I love RM to the moon and back, but they are in dire need of a complete makeover, or a great big finale. Hence, I wasn't too upset by the news.

• It was announced that Kang Ho Dong was joining RM from 2017. 

Didn't know much about him..

• Then news broke that KJK and SJH was forced to leave RM and was only told when the media broke the news. 

At this point, I'm like surely this must be gossip, did the staff just offend the HUGE China fanbase KJK has and the HUGE male following SJH has?! But turns out, it was true. I can only shake my head while eating my exotic overseas lunch. Who on earth allowed this to happen and create such a huge debacle?! Seriously. Someone's getting fired. 

• Kang Ho Dong withdrew his appearance to RM 

LOL. You dead, bro. Someone in RM PD team had better work 48/7 to respond to what I assume to be FIRE rapid blame arrows. Good on KHD though, good on him.

• SBS staff held a meeting and publicly apologised to KJK and SJH 

Uh, please don't take us as idiots. Come up with a better response. 

• RM members held a meeting to discuss leaving RM altogether. 

I expected nothing less of the other members. They're family for Christ's sake. This has been a family YOU built over 7 years you dipshits SBS. -.- 

• SBS staff and RM members held a meeting to end RM in Feb 2017, with KJK and SJH back in RM. 

This is LITERALLY the ugliest ending you can possibly bring to RM. Like if you just ended it at ep 330 without explanation, it'll still be a better ending than THIS. Where in the world did you learn entertainment and relationship management?! From TRUMP!? -.- I can only imagine how AWKWARD the rest of the filming is going to be. Seriously. At least BBC fired Jeremy Clarkson because he sucker punched a staff. KJK and SJH (to my knowledge) did EVERYTHING for RM. Including injuring themselves. I really have no logical conclusion on how the scenario planning from your team could have allowed for this to happen. Was someone high when this happened?

You know, I hope this is all one giant joke to draw publicity to RM. But this is really bad press. And SBS isn't exactly the best station in Korea already. Please, someone, hire better people.

• SJH and KJK will donate all their appearance fees in RM henceforth. 

Literally everything they do henceforth will be worshipped, and nothing will be criticised.
(Maybe this was the plan?) - I'd like to think so.

But good on SJH and KJK. If not for the other members, if I were them, I'd refuse to film another episode with SBS. Seriously SBS, can you please WAKE THE F UP? 

• It's leaked that PD Gong Hee Chul was behind this debacle to begin with 

Finally someone we can burn on a stake.

While my love for RM started only in 2016, I know it's time to let go. The members are better off, they'll be happy, and we can re-watch RM to our hearts' content.


And I'll boycott all SBS shows from henceforth until they give a satisfactory response and apology service to KJK, SJH and the members.


p.s. please give me more time to update 329 & 330, I'm just recovering from my holiday.

All my love, Ella.

Episode 326 to 330

Episode 330

Jeonju Tour 2
Broadcast Date: 18 December 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 28 November 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé (BLACKPINK)


With the exception of the Q&A game, the rest was bland and uninteresting. But I like Blackpink and thought they did quite well. My only hope for this episode was that they didn't censor LKS answers LOL. (A girl can hope, can't she??)

Episode 329

Jeonju Tour 1
Broadcast Date: 11 December 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 28 November 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: None

Not bad concept, but still really lacking, and really draggy. Didn't help when the scandal broke. *roll eyes*

Episode 328

Busan Crossword Puzzle
Broadcast Date: 04 December 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 15 November 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: TWICE

Uh. They were so flat and so predictable. Please don't waste your time.

Episode 327

Bromance House
Broadcast Date: 27 November 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 14 November 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ****

Guests: D.O. (EXO), Jo Jung-suk

Oooooh I loved, loved, loved D.O. and Jung-suk. They were amazing. The intro and the reaction of LKS was pretty LOL. Maybe that's why SJH was barely noticeable. Honestly fell in love with D.O. <3

Episode 326

Food Thief
Broadcast Date: 20 November 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 08 November 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Eun Ji-won, Jang Su-won, Kang Sung-hoon, Kim Jae-duc, Lee Jai-jin (Sechs Kies), Hwang Woo-seul-hye

I thought Sech-kies were hilarious guests. Their kind of weird fit really well with RM. Also, Hwang Woo-seul-hye. She's either doing it on purpose, or her kind of silliness and slow uptake fits right in. I don't hate this episode, but it's nothing I raved about. Maybe only the drawing relay? LOL. Still, the guests were really pretty good. Final game was a letdown after the drawing relay though.

Episodes 321 to 325

Episode 325

Deficiency Travel
Broadcast Date: 13 November 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 07 November 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Gary (T.T)

I felt frustrated and warm at the same time. Clear as day that the members want to move on, but seriously, PD team, please let this be the last ep Gary guests for like at least 4 months okay? Pretty please? It's a heartwarming and cringe-worthy episode. You'll definitely watch it. 

Episode 324

Gary's Farewell (Memory Hunter)
Broadcast Date: 06 November 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 31 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: None

I thought I'd cry, but I didn't. I'm happy that the editing was done well for the farewell. This was always coming. But I think no one really acknowledged it. Honestly, even as a RM fan, at the inconsistent (and mostly disappointing) episodes, I think it's better they end as a legacy, rather than die out? There really isn't a point for me to write this review/summary, you'll watch the episode no matter what. 

Episode 323

Avatar House
Broadcast Date: 30 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 17 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Jang Do-yeon, Kim Jun-hyun, Min-ho (SHINee), Seo Ji-hye, Yang Se-chan

Totally ended up hating Ji-hye, not sure if that's the point, really. But it was a fairly good concept, Jun-hyun shined, along with Min-ho, top notch guests in the episode. Only person who did the starting avatar well was SJH, who I guess got the memo. Again, not a bad episode. Only thing I really disliked with Ji-hye. But maybe that's the point? 

Episode 322

Running Field Day
Broadcast Date: 23 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 10 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Kang Min-kyung (Davichi), Park Mi-sun, Son Yeon-jae, Ye Ji-won, Yu-ra (Girl's Day)

There wasn't anything wrong with this episode. But it just didn't feel right to give it all 5 stars. It had body gags, LOL moments (seriously, gangster chilli made me LOL), and betrayals. Felt a little way too complicated when they first explained. SJH seem absent, Gary stepped up, KJK seems to slink behind shadows. And seriously, what happened to the betrayal and officials etc from 312? Ugh quite disappointed at it. I mean if you made a whole episode to elaborate and warn them only to not follow through? *rolls eyes*

Episode 321

No Way Out Race
Broadcast Date: 16 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 04 October 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Lee Kyu-han, Park Na-rae, Park Soo-hong, Solbin (Laboum), Yang Se-chan

Honestly, it wasn't a bad episode, but pacing was so-so. Could have done away the audience games. Given the guests are all comedians, felt really quite sub-par. Is anyone else sick of Soo-hong? Cause I am. The ending left me a bit a little frustrated with everything. It promised quite a good start. Go watch Park Bo Gum dancing bombastic to make up for it. There you go...

Episodes 316 to 320

Episode 320

Acquire the Consonants
Broadcast Date: 09 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 03 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Jo Yoon-hee, Lee Joon, Lim Ji-yeon, Yoo Hae-jin

I thought it was really quite educational (who knew RM could be lol). Hae-jin was so clueless it was funny. Evil to starve them though. I can't really place a finger on the issue, but I'd say it was too complicated to explain which took a bit of the fun of it.

Episode 319

Running Man TV (1) & Running Man Go
Broadcast Date: 02 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 13 & 27 September 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Multiple appearances

I didn't really like this episode. Felt so all over the place. I'd think it's fun if we were doing it with them, just not watching this. Massively confusing. Only point I thought was funny was when LKS & YJS were sent to jail with action messages. Idk. It really depends. Did you like the 100 vs 100 episode? If you did, you'd like this, if not, you won't. I personally didn't like it.

Episode 318

Running Man TV (1)
Broadcast Date: 25 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 13 September 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Multiple appearances

This episode wasn't all that bad, objectively, but it was not good. I didn't get the concept it was trying to go for, and use YJS again really has gotten way too old. I'd very much like to have seen JSJ done scene stealing. While I'm happy for LKS (supposedly), his mission was literally the most lame and pointless one. I honestly didn't see the point of it. Maybe I'll change my mind when I see part 2 next week. Maybe they are building up for something. But at this point, I'm not holding my breath. If you don't have time this week, maybe don't bother. Go watch EXO & YJS dance, way more wonderful. (IC ep 498) Teaser for you:

Episode 317

Running Man vs Avengers 2
Broadcast Date: 18 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 06 September 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *****

Guests: Han Hye-jin, Key (Shinee), Kim Dong-hyun, Lee Kyung-kyu, Moon Hee-joon (HOT), Sung Hoon, Yoon Hyung-bin

This episode is the sequel to Ep 305. I wished they did more of "runjuring" to be honest. Quite like seeing the members scared half to death. But what I liked most about this episode was the pacing. The second game made me literally LOL. Did love it so much when they did the skills assessment. I guess they need to give LKK some face & let him win right? Both teams' choices were predictable towards the end. But all in all, a good episode.

Episode 316




Train to Prison
Broadcast Date: 11 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 29 August 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ****

Guests: Hyo-rin, GOT7, Lee seul

LOL. This episode was classic RM team work. Or lack thereof if you want to be technical. But it was really good. Was hoping someone would have to do the final mission though.

Episodes 311 to 315

Episode 315

Running Map
Broadcast Date: 04 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 23 August 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: ****

Guests: Cha Seung-won

LOL. Cha Seung-won really was an amazing guest. His chemistry with the cast right from the start was amazing. Seriously Ace JH just steam rolled the guys. For comedy sake, I was hoping LKS didn't buy the small octopus (LOL) I was so hungry watching the cooking challenge. But this episode really was so good compared to the recent ones. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Episode 314

R Empire 
Broadcast Date: 28 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 16 August 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Hong Jong-hyun, Kang Ha-neul, Lee Joon-gi

Starting was a little off. No context, but as it went along, I must say this episode's MVP is LKS. He put a different spin on betraying. And the PDs seem to put the "judges" in a prominent spot. Which makes me expect great things of the punishment episodes. Mud wrestling wasn't fun. I mean who likes to see JSJ suffer like that all over? They really have got to cut him some slack. Otherwise, rather monotonous episode. Hoping this will build up to a better "betrayal" punishment episode. 


Episode 313

Gather the Running Balls
Broadcast Date: 21 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 08 August 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Ahn Mun-sook, Ha Jae-sook, Kim Se-jeong (I.O.I / Gugudan), Mi-joo (Lovelyz), Noh Sa-yeong, (Ahn Kil-kang as judge of RT)

I must admit, this episode was amazing. Even though we knew it was coming, it was still amazing to see the opening. I'm starting to love Jae-sook really. Her timing is impeccable.
And seriously, what is the fate of MC. Some times I can't believe the odds. But it's undeniable. Needless to say, their chemistry is amazing, to say the least. Running theater was the best thing in a long long while. I've not laughed as hard. Please do it again PD team!!! YJS vs LKS still immensely funny. MONDAY COUPLE <3 <3 <3 <3 <3


Episode 312

Monthly Running Man
Broadcast Date: 14 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 26 July 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Bada, Jo Jung-chi, Kim Kyung-ho, Yoo Byung-jae, Yoon Jong-shin

I didn't get the point of their outfits at the opening. They completely lost the plot there. -.-
I think just a monthly representation is a little too abstract for it to make it funny. But I do like that the writers are "officially" banning cheating. I feel like it will backfire though. The members themselves have said, the whole point of some of them is to cheat & betray.
It got rather draggy at the games & kinda yawn inducing. I feel like this episode is them finding a fit, but it's kinda like that dress that makes you look fat from almost all angles. Although you can tell the relationship among the team has become way too comfortable, it's not really sparking anything anymore. I feel like I'm up for disappointment every Sunday (Monday for me). Please find a better way, PD team. ><


Episode 311

Mysterious R Cube Race
Broadcast Date: 07 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 18 & 19 July 2016 (Monday & Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: No guests

I like how the entire team ganged up on KJK to start the love line. And how cooperative Soo Ae was! Love ice hockey games and their violence. But you could tell it toned down a lot. Was hoping for a more fun morning mission. I guess they really do want to shed their "old selves". I can't help but pity JSJ this episode really, he didn't even get a single clue. I mean, if they want to change the concept of the game, you can't exactly keep some parts and then hope for the best too right? Here's hoping the fresh start will really be a fresh start.

Episodes 306 to 310

Episode 310

The Representative Race 
Broadcast Date: 31 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 18 July 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Ha Jae-Sook, Oh Yeon-Seo, Soo Ae

The starting was good, I think I'm rather sadistic to enjoy seeing them scared shitless. Didn't last long enough to keep me entertained, but I like the fact that they are now choosing people based on results and not as members. Although how much is scripted, I can't say for sure. The second half was long and draggy IMO. Could have been more entertaining? Soo Ae took way too long to warm up to the cast.

Episode 309

Lee Kwang Soo's Revenge
Broadcast Date: 24 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 12 July 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Hong Kin-kyung, Lee Ki-woo, Seo Jang-hoon

I'll say that the saving grace is the hilarity of the height difference and body gags. While I love LKS half to death, but this concept is neither new nor funny. His previous revenge challenge was way better in comparison. RM members excel, as per usual. Loved it while LKS team is discussing, RM is just leisurely playing. But in any case, 생일 축하 이광수!


Episode 308

Special Agent H
Broadcast Date: 17 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 04 July 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *

Guests: Ji Jin-hee, Kim Hee-ae

The spy thing is really weird for me. Only selling point for the show will be the food challenge, interesting concept to mess with their heads. But even then, it was overall draggy to say the least. I think I'll start giving zero points for episodes if it's just going to anchor on one good point. 


Episode 307

The Best Couple Trip
Broadcast Date: 10 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 05 July 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Bo-ra, Da-som, Hyo-rin, So-you (Sistar), Shownu

Given how excited I was from the mission at the end of last episode, honestly, I wasn't very happy at how it turned out. And for it to have shed light that some of the members themselves don't seem connected to the show anymore, was rather disappointing. I mean, if you don't root for yourselves, it's hard to convince fans to root for you right? Loved the guests, Shownu I'm guessing he's really new so not much presence felt? I liked that even though the outdoor events were cancelled, the members did rise up to the challenge. The whole ganging up on LKS is getting really old for me honestly. He won the points fair & square with the partner. One star purely for the fact how funny LKS height made it for his partner. 


Episode 306

Suspicious R Rescue
Broadcast Date: 03 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 28 June 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Kyung-ri, Lee Ki-woo, Nickhun

I didn't even sense the presence of Kyung-ri. So-so episode. I'd have given one star if not for the ending mission by Myuk PD. OMG HE's BACK!!!! I'm totally looking forward to the next episode!