Girls' Generation's Sooyoung Joins 'Running Man' for a Special New Year Episode

Girls' Generation's Sooyoung made a surprise appearance on 'Running Man' following an impromptu invitation from Yoo Jae-suk.

The January 4th episode of SBS's variety show 'Running Man' celebrated the Year of the Red Horse in 2026 with a special 'Horse Bingo Conquest' race.

During the opening, it was announced that Yoo Jae-suk was named 'Entertainer of the Year' for the 14th consecutive year. Song Ji-hyo expressed her amazement, asking, "How do you maintain it for 14 years?" while Ji Suk-jin jokingly worried, "It would be sad if you came in second place."

Yoo Jae-suk humbly credited the viewers for his success, and Ji Suk-jin humorously asked, "How does it feel when everything goes well?" bringing laughter to the set.

The cast participated in missions like 'Drawing Horse Pictures for Secondhand Trading' and 'Completing Missions with Celebrities Born in the Year of the Horse.' Yoo Jae-suk called Sooyoung, who hadn't appeared on the show in a while, and asked, "You're born in the Year of the Horse, right? You used to come on 'Running Man' often, but it's been a while. Can you join us now?"

Sooyoung, who was at a skincare clinic, coolly agreed, saying, "I have to come if you call. I'm currently at a skincare clinic, but I'll help out." Her appearance delighted Ji Ye-eun, who showcased Girls' Generation's dance moves and shared her admiration, mentioning she has a signed CD from Hyoyeon and knows Yoona's number.

Born in 1990, Sooyoung and Ji Suk-jin, born in 1966, humorously debated about being 'White Horse Year' babies. Sooyoung claimed, "I'm born in the Year of the Horse, specifically the White Horse Year. Many born in the Year of the Horse claim this because it sounds special."

Ji Suk-jin also claimed to be a 'White Horse Year' baby, but the production team corrected him, saying, "You're actually born in the Year of the Red Horse." Ji Suk-jin cheerfully accepted, "So, it's my year?" while Haha humorously added, "It's the year for those turning 60," causing laughter.

During the 'Drawing Horse Pictures for Secondhand Trading' mission, Yang Se-chan struggled, prompting Sooyoung, who enjoys secondhand trading, to step in. She confidently suggested, "Let's call instead of messaging. I also do secondhand trading. My rating is high, probably over 40 degrees."

The members successfully completed a secondhand trade with a citizen, who offered them an energy drink in return for the free horse drawing. Kim Jong-kook was touched, saying, "This is how you feel warmth," while Haha humorously reminded, "No reselling on Carrot Market."

By Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr