Having two reviews about dramas so dar, it's time for some variety shows...
Hereby i present Running Man!
This show is classified as an "urban action variety"; a never-before-seen new genre of variety shows. The MCs and guests complete missions in a landmark to win the race. [from Wikipedia]
The aim of the game is to get as many running balls as possible. The more balls the members have, the larger probability of being exempted from the punishments.
The CAST:
from left: Gwang-soo, Jong Kook, Jae Suk, Ji Hyo, Joong-Ki, Suk Jin, Haha, Gary
A one-by-one introduction:
Jaesuk is the main host of the show known as Yu-ruce Willis during the race mission where he is good at running away. He is also known as Yu Hyuk , acting as a popular student that can dance well based on his own request.
Juk Jin is the eldest member of the show and often addressed as Hyung by the other members. He is known as Big-Nose Hyung due to his exceptionally big nose. He is often shown as weak during the race mission and is frequently and easily caught hence forming the Jail Regulars Trio with Jae Suk and Gwang Soo.
Jong Kook, better known as the Commander, was the strongest man in the show. Everytime comes to Hide and Seek mission he would strike fear in everyone. There was once Ji Hyo was running away from Haha when Jong Kook just walked past and Ji Hyo fell to the ground (supposedly lose her strength). He was also known as Kookie~♥^^ (꾹이~♥^^) for his cuteness and "aegyo".
Lee Gwang-Soo. a new variety host known as a "Framer Gwang-soo" as he like to fabricate tales about the other members (for example claiming to see jong kook painting his nails). He's often seen as a weak member on the team that always got caught easily. Together with Jae-Suk, Suk Jin, they formed the Jail Regulars Trio.
Gary, also a new variety host known as Peaceful Gary due to his calm facial expressions during the Photo Zone Game. He often expressed his interest in Ji-Hyo, and hence together with Ji-Hyo they were known as the Monday Couple (as their filming was on Mondays). Together with Haha and Jong Kook, they were known as Jong Kook and his two kids, as they were always seen under the control of Jong Kook.
The only female member on the show: Song Ji Hyo.
Also known as Song Ji-yok, due to her assumed swearing at the members (started by the framing of Gwang-soo). She is the Ace of the show, as she was as capable as Jong Kook in catching the guests. She is also the Monday Couple with Gary.
My favourite cast: HaHA, also known as Haroro (due to his appearance close to the cartoon character Pororo). He likes to imagine himself as the main lead of a movie, and often play childish games with Jae Suk, naming themselves over heroic characters (for example Ha-rad Pitt VS Yu-mes Bond) Together with Gary and Jong Kook, they were known as Jong Kook and his two kids, as they were always seen under the control of Jong Kook.
Joong Ki is also one of the variety kookie and is of same age wiith Gwang-Soo. Song Joong-ki is known for his good-looks and is referred to as Flower Joong-ki, meaning pretty and is referred to as Brain Joong-ki due to his high intelligence.. He is also known as Active Young Man(적극청년) when he either wants to try something new or believes he can do something well, but fails. As of episode 42, he has left the program to focus on his acting career
I simply LOVED this show! It's so entertaining, and had always been fresh and creative in its games. There was never the same games for more than 10 episodes. i especially loved their Find the Guest(s) game, where they have to find guest(s) among many temporary/volunteer people who would try to distract the running man members without knowing who and how many guests there are.
Another favorite segment of the game would be Catch the Thief, a card game. Everyone would be dealt with a card, and there's only one thief card. The members would undergo a lot of mini games to switch their cards and in the end, who get the thief card would not get the running ball.
