The March 8 broadcast of the SBS variety show featured the special episode titled “Run & Fun Company: Spin the Roulette”. However, viewers were quick to point out that Song Ji Hyo only appeared for about 10 seconds during the roughly 90-minute episode.
Most of his appearances were reportedly limited to reaction shots or group scenes, with little opportunity to actively participate in the program’s games or conversations. After the broadcast, criticism began to spread in online communities and on the actress’s YouTube channel.
Some viewers left comments such as “Running Man is still a job that requires responsibility” and “He barely speaks during the show.” Numerous comments even called for his voluntary departure from the program, with one message reading: “It’s my favorite show, but because of you I don’t want to watch it anymore. Please leave.”
Song Ji Hyo joined Running Man as a regular in 2010 and remained part of the cast for more than 15 years. Over this period, he has gained considerable popularity thanks to memorable moments on the show, but his reduced presence in recent years has occasionally sparked debate among viewers.
In 2023, similar criticism surfaced, prompting fellow cast member Yoo Jae Suk to publicly defend her on his web show Pinggyego. Yoo explained that Song Ji Hyo was deeply upset when she noticed incidents where she spoke very little, adding that she had expressed regret and desire to work harder.
The actress herself also addressed the topic. In a previous appearance on YouTube channel Jodongari, she said she never expected to stay on a variety show for so long. Song Ji Hyo explained that she once thought she would leave after about 10 years, but the program continued and she ended up staying with the production team.
Despite ongoing debates about her time on screen, Song Ji Hyo has made it clear that she intends to remain on the show as long as the production team continues the program. However, the latest episode has once again reignited discussion among viewers about her role in the long-running variety series.
Sources: Daum | Sports Chosun
