Actor Jeon So-min has reappeared about a year after leaving Running Man, drawing attention. Some reacted with welcome, but there were also opposing, mixed reactions.
Earlier, after leaving Running Man, where she had been for about six years and six months, Jeon So-min shocked by confessing to working part-time at a café as a recent update. He said, "I was anxious because I had no scheduled work," and "I worked part-time at a friend's café," and he also expressed affection for the program, saying, "The Running Man members were like family."
Then in January, about one year and two months later, Jeon So-min returned to Running Man. She appeared as a guest to promote the drama Ji Song-ham-ni-da. The members, seeing Jeon So-min after a long time, welcomed her, saying, "the runaway Sobari has come back." When Yang Se-chan said, "I'll do it with Ji Ye-eun now," Jeon So-min immediately acted jealous, saying, "Do you like that woman that much?" and drew laughter. Even after her return, Jeon So-min displayed the same energy and comedic sense, showing perfect chemistry with the members.
And about 10 months later, with Ji Ye-eun briefly absent due to burnout, Jeon So-min once again appeared on the recent broadcast to fill the spot. But not everyone welcomed the return. Some viewers cast unkind glances, saying, "Her variety skills are the same, but isn't she trying to take Ji Ye-eun's current spot?" Appearing in place of Ji Ye-eun, who stopped activities due to health issues, prompted reactions such as, "This could actually be a burden to Ji Ye-eun, who is resting because of burnout," and "Even as a guest, wouldn't it have been more considerate to invite a new person rather than a former member?"
On the other hand, other viewers viewed it positively, saying, "It's natural for a member who was with them for nearly seven years to temporarily fill an empty spot," and "It could serve as a good bridge to regain chemistry when Ji Ye-eun returns."
Earlier in September, when the producers mentioned the name of former member Jeon So-min as "a game she reported," rumors of a comeback had been steadily raised. At the time the members burst out laughing, saying, "She should come and do it herself," and that became reality. In this broadcast, Jeon So-min eased the mood with her trademark frankness, saying, "I came here to make money today," and when asked, "Have you kissed someone within a week?" she pointed to Yang Se-chan, reproducing Running Man–style chemistry.
Her reappearance is still making headlines. Although it was a return that brought laughter, multiple interpretations coexist about what "Jeon So-min's return" means. Some see it as the strong bond of a long-standing team, while others say it could be a burden to younger members who have not yet secured their positions.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Running Man
[OSEN]