As viewers continue to debate actor Song Ji-hyo's missing screen time on Running Man, past remarks by Song Ji-hyo expressing loyalty to Running Man have been reexamined, raising expectations for a change in her presence.
On the episode of Running Man that aired on the 8th, the Run & Fun Company: Spin the roulette Race took place. Under a concept where performance incentives and overtime decisions were determined by the roulette result, the members transformed into office workers and engaged in fierce competition. However, during the roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes of broadcast, Song Ji-hyo's screen time amounted to about 10 seconds, sparking controversy. She appeared mostly in reaction shots or group scenes and was rarely shown taking a leading role. Some viewers criticized Song Ji-hyo's passive attitude and expressed disappointment.
Song Ji-hyo is an original member of Running Man who, after appearing as a guest in 2010, joined as a fixed member and grew with the program. At the time, she earned the nickname ace for her unpretentious charm and reckless play, receiving great affection. As a result, she became an emblematic member of the program, winning SBS Entertainment Awards' best in variety and gaining high popularity overseas.
Especially in 2016, there was even an incident where she and Kim Jong Kook were told to be forcibly removed but the decision was rescinded after strong viewer backlash, underscoring how symbolic Running Man and Song Ji-hyo have been together for a long time. However, recently there have been ongoing criticisms that her presence is not what it used to be. In fact, on last week's broadcast Song Ji-hyo's screen time was only about 1 minute, continuing the controversy.
Some point to changes in the program's character as a cause. If early Running Man centered on physical competition, the flow has recently shifted to talk and situational skits, making it harder for Song Ji-hyo's character to stand out as before. On the other hand, some viewers say she needs to show a more proactive side suited to the changed format.
In fact, this controversy is not new. In 2023 Song Ji-hyo once again faced calls to leave because her presence was perceived as weak. At the time, Yu Jae-seok even noted on the web variety show Pingkego, "Ji-hyo really works hard. There were episodes where watching the broadcast you would think 'Ji-hyo isn't saying much today,'" adding, "Ji-hyo was upset about that and said, 'I should have tried harder,'" and said, "so from next week she can work harder. Don't worry about it," defending Song Ji-hyo.
In response, Song Ji-hyo in the past appeared on the Jodongari YouTube channel and mentioned Running Man, saying, "I didn't expect to do variety shows this long," and "now that I'm attached to the members, I feel I should stay until it ends," candidly expressing her feelings. Song Ji-hyo has on multiple occasions shown her love and loyalty to the program that has continued for 14 years. But as the "background character" controversy keeps repeating, viewers are focused on what changed 모습을 she will show on Running Man going forward.
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