On the December 22nd episode, Ji Ye Eun was officially welcomed as a permanent member of “Running Man”. Host Yoo Jae Suk reflected on her first appearance in June, “For a long-running show like ours, fans are sensitive to changes in the cast,” in expressing his gratitude, “Ji Ye Eun brought new energy to our program.” Ji Ye Eun shared her excitement, “I am happy to join this legendary show.”
However, the journey was not easy. Ji Ye Eun faced harsh criticism even before her regular member status was confirmed. Starting in June, she consistently appeared on the show without a formal announcement, leading to rumors and a wave of snide comments accusing her of not fitting in with the “Running Man” team. The negativity was so bad that Ji Ye Eun temporarily disabled comments on her social media.
“Running Man” is known for its loyal global fan base, especially its original cast. New members are often labeled “outsiders” and subjected to relentless criticism. Jeon So Min, who left the show last year, had also previously spoken out about the emotional toll of enduring years of similar reactions.
Despite the initial negativity, Ji Ye Eun gradually won over audiences with her energetic personality and willingness to embrace the comedic challenges of the show. She once said she trained to debut with a girl group but failed the auditions at SM and JYP, a story that made the “Running Man” cast laugh and created a memorable moment on the show. Over the past six months, her growing bond with the cast and her positive impact on the show has led the “Running Man” police to choose her as a series regular.
A longtime fan of both “Running Man” and Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Ye Eun revealed in an August interview that appearing on the show had been a lifelong dream. “I have admired Yoo Jae Suk since school. I even had his photo as my phone wallpaper. Working with him on “Running Man” feels surreal. I’m living a superfan’s dream.
Now that she has achieved her dream, Ji Ye Eun must face the challenges that accompany it. Any controversies could trigger another wave of reactions from hardcore fans, and comparisons with previous members are inevitable. On the bright side, his growing fan base is a sign of his growing popularity. His social media is now filled with supportive comments celebrating his new role.
As Ji Ye Eun faces this double-edged sword, fans hope that she will continue to shine as a permanent member of “Running Man.” With its resilience and distinctive charm, it has the potential to cement its place in the hearts of moviegoers around the world.
