Kim Jong-kook Shows a New Side on 'Running Man' After Marriage

Kim Jong-kook displayed a noticeable change in demeanor on the latest episode of SBS's variety show 'Running Man,' aired on the 26th.

The episode featured a 'Time Capture Expedition' race, where Kim Jong-kook, who recently got married in September, showcased his transformed self. From the morning, he was full of energy and even smiled brightly at the members' incorrect answers.

During the 'Tail Running' mission, Kim Jong-kook took on the crucial role of the last runner, needing to finish within '5 seconds.' Yang Se-chan expressed concern, saying, "If Jong-kook hyung falls, it will be a big accident."

Kim Jong-kook ran with his signature intense expression, drawing laughter from the cast. Ha-ha commented on his open-mouthed running style, saying, "Why does he run with that expression? He's changed a lot."

Ha-ha added, "He never made such expressions even momentarily before," to which Ji Suk-jin agreed, "He's changed a lot since getting married." Kim Jong-kook's humorous run led his team to victory with a 3-second record.

Ha-ha, embracing the 'Young Forty' concept, joked with 'Young Sixty' Ji Suk-jin, "Bring it on, idols. You can't live without your iPhones, but we can. We come from the pager era," causing laughter.

Yoo Jae-suk, puzzled by the sudden challenge, asked, "What are you talking about? Why challenge the idols?" Ha-ha then invited Choi Daniel and Yang Se-chan, both in their late 30s, to join the 'Young Forty' group.

Yang Se-chan declined, saying, "We don't call people in their 40s 'Young Forty,' but we do for someone like you who acts like this." Choi Daniel also drew a line, saying, "We're not part of it."

Seeing Ha-ha left out, Yoo Jae-suk remarked, "He looks pitiful. You seem overwhelmed," showing sympathy for Ha-ha, who was consumed by the concept. Ha-ha rejected the sympathy, saying, "Why am I pitiful?" bringing more laughter.

Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr