The variety show Running Man is back in the spotlight as it marks its 15th anniversary, reaffirming its status as one of South Korea’s most enduring and beloved programs. As Running Man continues to evolve, the show is balancing nostalgic traditions with fresh faces and emotional returns — making this milestone year a deeply meaningful one.
Celebrating a Milestone: 15 Years of Running Man
In 2025, Running Man celebrates a major milestone — 15 years on the air. Since its debut in July 2010, the show has built a legacy of clever games, unforgettable cast chemistry, and ever-evolving formats. This longevity underscores its impact: even as the variety show landscape grows increasingly competitive, Running Man remains a mainstay in viewers’ weekend lineups.
This anniversary isn’t just symbolic. It’s an opportunity for the show to reflect on its journey, reconnect with fans, and reaffirm why its format — a mix of physical challenges, humor, and heart — continues to resonate in 2025.
New and Returning Faces: A Dynamic Cast Landscape
One of the most eye-catching developments this year is the emotional return of several familiar faces. Actress Ji Ye-eun made her comeback to Running Man following a health-related hiatus, delivering a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with long-time fans. Her return adds both sentimentality and renewed energy to the ensemble.
Meanwhile, Choi Daniel is making headlines as a “rental member” — part of the show’s rotating cast system that allows celebrities to join for extended periods without becoming full-time regulars. This approach keeps the program fresh and flexible.
In addition to these changes, actress Jeon So-min — a longtime cast member — continues to be a critical part of the Running Man identity. Although she stepped back in previous years, her presence remains meaningful both on-screen and for the fandom.
Notable Episodes & Guest Highlights
In 2025, Running Man has selected some standout guest appearances. Recent episodes featured musical acts and actors playing on nostalgia by recreating their past eras in playful games and dance segments. This blend of music, memory, and variety game format is exactly what many fans associate with the show’s charm.
As of mid-November, Running Man’s 2025 lineup has already aired over 40 episodes, with more on the way — including upcoming installments featuring new guest pairings. These additions suggest the show is committed to balancing legacy talent with fresh dynamics.
Health, Rest & Team Resilience
While the show is thriving, it has not been without challenges. Cast member Ji Ye-eun’s prior health-related absence sparked concern, and earlier in the year, another cast member paused participation to rest and recover from fatigue. This transparency about well-being underscores the real pressures behind long-running variety shows — and Running Man’s willingness to adapt.
Despite these hurdles, the core production team remains deeply invested in preserving both the quality of the show and the health of its members. The combination of returning energy and careful pacing suggests a maturity not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well.
Why the 15th Anniversary Matters
The Running Man 15-year mark feels different from a simple anniversary. It’s an inflection point: a moment to celebrate legacy, but also to evolve meaningfully. Here’s why this moment matters:
- Cultural Legacy: Few variety shows sustain relevance for a decade-plus. Running Man’s format, humor, and cast chemistry have resonated across generations and markets.
- Flexible Format: By integrating rental members and welcoming back beloved faces, the show demonstrates a willingness to reinvent while staying true to its DNA.
- Fan Connection: Emotional returns strengthen the bond between cast and audience. It’s not just about games, but shared history.
- Sustainable Production: Acknowledging cast wellness shows that longevity isn’t just about producing episodes — it’s also about caring for the people who make the show.
What’s Next for Running Man
Looking ahead, Running Man has several paths it could explore:
- Anniversary Specials: Fans hope for major events — fan concerts, special episodes, or even overseas gatherings to celebrate 15 years together.
- New Rental Members: As the rental member strategy proves successful, more celebrities might be invited to join temporarily, bringing fresh chemistry without disrupting the core ensemble.
- Broader Online Reach: With streaming platforms becoming more central to audience engagement, Running Man could leverage its global fan base to expand digitally.
- Wellness Initiatives: Given past cast health issues, the team may continue strengthening support systems to ensure that the show’s pace is sustainable.
Final Thoughts
The Running Man of 2025 is both classic and new. The show’s 15th anniversary isn’t just a celebration — it’s a reaffirmation of what made it great, entwined with a clear-eyed readiness for reinvention. With its balance of legacy, guest energy, and authentic storytelling moments, Running Man continues to prove why it endures.
As fans reflect on a decade and a half of laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable missions, they can look forward to the next chapters with genuine excitement. And for the Running Man team, the race is far from over — it’s just entering a new lap.
Credit: PopScopeNow.com – November 15, 2025
