Running Man is SBS's flagship Sunday variety show, a mission-based reality program built around name-tag-ripping games and citywide races, that first aired on July 11, 2010 and has since become the longest-running variety show in Korean television history. With hundreds of international guest appearances, wide overseas syndication, and a devoted global fanbase that's kept it a consistently high-search-interest title year after year, the show has outlasted nearly every K-variety program from its era, cast turnover and all.
The Core Format
Running Man's signature mechanic is the name tag rip: cast members and guests wear a name tag on their back, and the last person standing with an intact tag wins the mission, while everyone else is eliminated by having theirs torn off. That simple physical game has been layered into countless location-based missions and races across Seoul and beyond over the years, mixing athletic chase sequences with puzzle-solving, trivia, and comedic set pieces. The show also frequently hosts celebrity guests, ranging from Korean actors and idols to a long list of international stars, giving individual episodes their own standalone flavor even within the larger ongoing format.
Surviving Fifteen-Plus Years of Cast Change
Running Man's run breaks down into a few distinct member eras. The original cast that debuted in July 2010 included Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Gary, Haha, Lee Kwang-soo, and Song Ji-hyo, with the show cycling through changes as members departed and joined over the years — Gary left in 2016, Lee Kwang-soo departed in 2021, and Jeon So-min, who joined in 2017, exited in 2023. As of 2026, the regular lineup consists of Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun, who officially joined as a full member in December 2024. The show has also experimented with a rotating "loaner member" system in recent years, temporarily adding performers like Kang Hoon and Choi Daniel for extended stretches before returning to a core seven-member lineup.
A Record-Setting Run
In June 2023, Running Man surpassed Infinite Challenge's 4,725-day run to become the longest continuously airing variety show in Korean television history, a milestone that's become a frequent reference point in coverage of the show. The program marked its 16th anniversary on July 11, 2026, with episode 811 featuring a cake-cutting celebration and video messages from former members and a wide range of past guests. The show has also seen frequent behind-the-scenes turnover in its production team in recent years — 2026 alone saw two separate main PD transitions, first to Kang Hyung-sun in December 2025 and then to Kim Solmaro starting with episode 805 in May 2026, each change driven by the departing producer's parental leave.
Running Man's Member Eras
| Era | Approximate Years | Notable Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Original Lineup | 2010–2016 | Founding cast including Gary, before his departure |
| Seven-Member Era | 2017–2021 | Jeon So-min and Yang Se-chan join; Lee Kwang-soo departs in 2021 |
| Post-Jeon So-min Era | 2021–2024 | Rotating loaner members trialed alongside the core cast |
| Current Era | 2024–present | Ji Ye-eun joins as a regular member; two PD transitions in 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Running Man first air?
It premiered on July 11, 2010, on SBS, and celebrated its 16th anniversary in July 2026.
Who are the current members of Running Man?
As of 2026, the regular cast includes Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun.
Is Running Man the longest-running Korean variety show?
Yes, it surpassed Infinite Challenge's 4,725-episode-day run in June 2023 to become the longest continuously airing variety show in Korean television history.
What is the "name tag rip" game?
It's Running Man's signature elimination mechanic, in which players wear a name tag on their back and are eliminated once it's torn off by another player, with the last person remaining winning the mission.
Has Running Man had a lot of production changes recently?
Yes, the show saw two separate main PD transitions in 2026 alone, both driven by the outgoing producer taking parental leave.
Cast lineups, PD assignments, and episode schedules can change — check SBS's official Running Man channels for the most current information.