Ji Ye-eun Joins 'Running Man' as Official Member Amidst Mixed Reactions

Actress Ji Ye-eun has officially joined the cast of 'Running Man' as a permanent member. This comes six months after her initial appearance as a temporary member and 13 months following Jeon So-min's departure. The announcement has sparked both anticipation and concern, as negative comments about new members have been a persistent issue, even worrying veteran host Yoo Jae-suk.

On the episode aired on the 22nd, Ji Ye-eun was formally introduced as a fixed member of 'Running Man'. Yoo Jae-suk reminisced about Ji's first appearance in June, acknowledging the sensitivity of fans towards changes in the long-running show. He expressed his pride, stating, "Ji Ye-eun has brought new energy to our program." Ji Ye-eun shared her excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled to join such a long-standing show."

However, Ji Ye-eun's journey to becoming a permanent member was not without challenges. Her repeated appearances since June without an official announcement led to speculation and a barrage of negative comments, criticizing her as a poor fit for 'Running Man'. This prompted Ji to temporarily disable comments on her social media.

'Running Man' is known for its loyal international fanbase, particularly towards its original members. Newcomers often face harsh criticism, as seen with Jeon So-min, who also dealt with negative comments after joining.

Despite the negativity, Ji Ye-eun has won over fans with her vibrant personality. Her consistent appearances over the past six months have helped her establish a clear character, and she has been warmly embraced by both fans and fellow cast members.

Ji Ye-eun is a long-time fan of 'Running Man' and Yoo Jae-suk. In an interview last August, she revealed that appearing on the show was a dream come true, even setting Yoo Jae-suk as her phone wallpaper during her school days. She expressed her joy, saying, "It's surreal to be working with Yoo Jae-suk, whom I've admired since my school days. I'm living my dream."

As Ji Ye-eun steps into her role as a permanent member, she faces the challenge of living up to expectations. Any controversy could quickly turn fans against her, and comparisons with existing members are inevitable. However, the growing support from fans is a positive sign. Her social media is currently flooded with encouraging comments about her new role. We hope Ji Ye-eun can overcome the challenges and thrive as a permanent member of 'Running Man'.

By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr