Running Man's 15th Anniversary Episode Faces Backlash from Fans

'You know what?' Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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SBS's flagship variety show 'Running Man' faced intense criticism from fans during its special 15th-anniversary broadcast. The highly anticipated episode was filled with a celebration of Super Junior's 20th debut anniversary and food-centric segments, overshadowing 'Running Man's' unique narrative and charm.

Since its first broadcast on July 11, 2010, 'Running Man' celebrated its 15th anniversary on the episode aired on the 13th, featuring Super Junior members Leeteuk, Kyuhyun, and Eunhyuk as guests. The Super Junior members recreated their debut styling from 2005 and celebrated their 20th debut anniversary with the 'Running Man' cast. However, the significant portion of the episode dedicated to Super Junior's 'TMI' moments led viewers to question, "Why is this the 'Running Man' 15th-anniversary special?"

Long-time fans of 'Running Man' expressed confusion, stating, "There is no clear connection between 'Running Man' and Super Junior, so why celebrate their 20th anniversary together?" Many also felt that former members like Jeon So-min or Lee Kwang-soo, who contributed to the show's success, should have appeared in the special.

One viewer commented, "Is it a rule to bring in repetitive guests and listen to TMI instead of focusing on the existing members' stories?" Another viewer expressed disappointment, saying, "Instead of reminiscing about Super Junior's old stage outfits on the 15th anniversary, it would have been better to have an innovative race among the members."

Criticism of 'Running Man's' planning direction is not new. Since PD Choi Hyung-in took over, the show has been criticized for its food-centric content, repetitive guests, and citizen interview-focused planning, with many calling it "stale."

The '15-level spicy food challenge' featured in the episode also sparked controversy. Viewers complained, "It's been a long time since the show shifted to food-centric planning, and even in this milestone episode, it's still about food." They further criticized, "A long-running variety show should have content and symbolism fitting its stature, but this episode lacked any symbolism."

There is also a growing nostalgia for former PD Choi Bo-pil, who led 'Running Man' during its heyday. Choi, who left in August 2022, introduced large-scale narrative projects like 'Genius vs. Running Man' and 'Whispering in Silence,' creating popular catchphrases like 'the art of betrayal.' During his tenure, 'Running Man' boasted higher engagement and game completion.

The show's ratings, which were 6-8% during Choi Bo-pil's era, have now dropped to 3-5%. Many attribute this decline to the show's shift towards guest-centric and food-focused content, leading to a loss of organic storytelling and teamwork among the members. On viewer boards and social media, comments like "There's no longer a 'Running Man' story" and "It's become a light-hearted food variety show" are prevalent.

While 'Running Man's' 15th anniversary is undoubtedly an achievement worth celebrating, many feel this episode diverged from expectations. Viewers expressed disappointment, saying, "It wasn't respectful to the fans who have supported the show for 15 years."

To continue being beloved beyond its title as a long-running variety show, 'Running Man' needs to fundamentally rethink its direction and planning. The criticism from viewers is not just dissatisfaction but advice filled with long-standing affection, making it all the more impactful.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr