Tension Rises as 'Ddisan Crew' Faces Trail Running Challenge Amidst Team Changes

The 'Ddisan Crew' faced their fifth challenge, the 'Trail Running' event, with a surprising twist as Jung Ho-young decided to leave the show. Heo Jae raised his voice during the 'Tag Mission'.

On the 8th episode of MBN's 30th-anniversary special project 'Run for Life', aired on the 7th, the 'Ddisan Crew' participated in their first '11km Trail Running' competition. The episode captured the intense competition as the 'Tag Mission' was announced.

Previously, the 'Ddisan Crew' completed a 'Half Marathon' and gathered at Yulpo Beach in Boseong, Jeollanam-do. They decided to do a light 5km 'recovery run' along the beach, sharing stories along the way. An Seong-hoon expressed nostalgia, saying, “It's been a long time since I walked by the sea like this.” Heo Jae joked, “I should join the leading group. Everyone seems to be running too slowly.” Choi Jun-seok shared how running has changed his life, saying, “I used to drive even for 500 meters, but now I walk about 1km.” After the recovery run, the 'Ddisan Crew' strengthened their teamwork with a 'Flag Relay on a Reflexology Path' competition, with ingredients at stake, and enjoyed a meal of duck meat.

Two weeks later, the 'Ddisan Crew' reunited in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do. Sean, the team leader, announced, “Our next competition is the 'Trail Running' happening tomorrow!” Lee Young-pyo, the deputy leader, explained, “We will do mountain training. The bottom three from the 'Half Marathon', Heo Jae, Yang Jun-hyuk, and Bang Eun-hee, will form teams for a relay race, and the winning team will receive an MVP badge.” The 'Ddisan Crew' showed their eagerness for the badge, and during the race, 'Ace' Lee Jang-jun expressed his struggle, saying, “It's so tough. The steep slope made me feel like my thigh muscles were going to burst.” Fortunately, everyone finished without injuries, and Yang Jun-hyuk's team won.

After the mountain training, Sean announced, “I have an important announcement today.” As everyone looked puzzled, Jung Ho-young stepped forward and said, “Actually, today is my last day on 'Run for Life'. Due to a shortage of staff, I have to manage my store, so I decided to leave for my livelihood.” He added, “I enjoyed being with the warm crew and staff, but I might lose my restaurant staff if I continue, so I won't participate in tomorrow's competition.” He bid farewell to everyone.

In an interview with the production team, he shared, “Running consistently over the past three months has given me confidence. Completing my first half marathon made me realize nothing is impossible. If I get the chance, I want to try a full marathon.”

The next day, the 'Ddisan Crew' gathered in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, for the much-anticipated 'Trail Running'. With about 2,300 participants, Lee Young-pyo announced the mission for the event. He explained, “Based on the 'Half Marathon' rankings, if you catch the person ranked just ahead of you, you can take one of their MVP badges.”

Heo Jae raised concerns, saying, “This might cause internal conflict,” and Son Jeong-eun joked, “We're already getting on bad terms!” causing laughter. Sleepy added humor by saying, “I’d rather give my badge away and run slowly,” amusing everyone. The participants strategized on whom to catch, with Jang Dong-seon, who placed 4th, expressing concern about Yul-hee, who was 3rd, saying, “Yul-hee is fiercely competitive.” Yul-hee, aiming to catch 2nd place Han Sang-bo, said, “It's tough to catch up, but I must also avoid being caught. I need to endure with mental strength.”

As everyone prepared for the 'Tag Mission', the 'Trail Running' start time approached. The event drew attention with the participation of actors Cha Eun-woo, Lim Se-mi, and Lee Si-woo. These 'running lovers' joined the 'Ddisan Crew' for the '11km Trail Running', and as the starting whistle blew, '1st place' Lee Jang-jun sprinted ahead, determined not to be caught.

The 'Ddisan Crew's 'Trail Running' experience and results will be revealed in the 9th episode of 'Run for Life', airing on the 14th at 8:20 PM.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr