'Running Man' may not be the same as it used to be with the original cast, but it's no doubt an exciting time for the cast with two new members joining the show - comedian Yang Se-chan and Jun So-min. However, there is bound to be some awkwardness, especially adjusting as it takes time. One such awkward episode occurred between Jun So-min and original member HaHa.
Website Soompi notes that on the April 23 episode of 'Running Man' the female cast of the variety show was asked to share their secret gossips about other cast members. When it was Jun So-min's turn to share her own story she revealed that she was finding it difficult to be comfortable around Haha or to get to know him. Haha responded, saying he created this tension on purpose.
"I didn't act friendly at first on purpose because I didn't want you to get the wrong idea," Haha told Jun So-min and then promised he'll be very friendly from now on. "So Min, I will show you what friendly is from now on." This was undoubtedly an awkward episode between the two. This also reveals difficulty faced by the main cast in gelling well with the two new members.
After all, the existing members had been together for about seven years. The entry of new members may have forced them to act differently. In fact, one of the reasons behind the shows recent fall in viewership ratings, as mentioned by a few fans and commenters on social media, was due to the introduction of new members and new games, which they felt was unnecessary and was hurting the show.
On the April 9, episode ratings of 'Running Man' had dipped to an unhealthy 3.4 percent South Korea. It did manage to recover the numbers to a more respectable 5.4 percent on the next episode. The ratings for April 23 episode haven't been released yet. Hopefully, the numbers increase a bit more. The next episode of 'Running Man' airs on April 30. It will guest star singer Hyorin of girl group SISTAR.
'Running Man' airs every Sunday on SBS at 4.50 pm, KST.
