Running Man's Song Ji-hyo Faces 'Screen Time Shortage' Controversy: A Complex Issue of Attitude and Production

In the era of content overload, TenAsia's reporter Taeyuna becomes your 'entertainment guide,' unraveling the hottest issues, key points, main figures, and behind-the-scenes stories in the world of variety shows.

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The controversy surrounding Song Ji-hyo's 'screen time shortage' in SBS's variety show 'Running Man' has reignited. In recent episodes, Song Ji-hyo's individual screen time has been noticeably low. However, attributing this solely to the performer is an oversimplification. Analysts suggest that Song Ji-hyo's passive attitude, the production team's complacent direction, and the structural limitations of a long-running show are intertwined factors.

In the 'Detective Agency: Find the Genuine Article' special aired on the 22nd, Song Ji-hyo spoke her first words only after 10 minutes into the episode. Her lack of enthusiasm was evident as she interrupted the flow by asking to see a clue again during a guessing game, drawing criticism from fellow members. In the episode aired on the 8th, her screen time was a mere 10 seconds out of 90 minutes. Viewers responded coldly, commenting, 'There's no sense of urgency,' and 'Her audio is barely audible.'

Three years ago, Song Ji-hyo faced similar criticism and calls for her departure. Fellow members like Yoo Jae-suk publicly encouraged her, and Song Ji-hyo promised to change, stating she would work harder. Yet, the recurrence of these criticisms suggests a persistent issue for some viewers.

The core of the screen time issue lies in 'Song Ji-hyo's attitude' and 'the production team's negligence.' While Song Ji-hyo shows great enthusiasm for personal ventures, such as promoting a lingerie brand on her YouTube channel, her energy levels on 'Running Man' have been inconsistent. This can be seen as a lack of responsibility in a show she has been a regular on for 16 years.

However, it cannot be dismissed as mere performer complacency. The production team's lack of creative planning also contributed. Despite the significant shift in character dynamics following Jeon So-min's departure, the team failed to develop or utilize a new character for Song Ji-hyo, relying instead on the decade-old 'Blank Ji-hyo' persona, leading to the 'screen time shortage' debacle.

Moreover, the minimal screen time highlights the production team's editing shortcomings. While real variety shows naturally have screen time variations based on cast conditions, reducing a regular member to mere background is a sign of complacency. The lack of editing to enhance the character's presence is criticized for undermining the show's overall quality.

Public scrutiny has also fueled the controversy. Apart from the recent problematic episodes, Song Ji-hyo has fulfilled her role. Calls for her departure based on a few underwhelming episodes could further demoralize her, creating a vicious cycle.

Ultimately, this controversy is a challenge for both Song Ji-hyo and the production team to address. It's time to reflect on whether the long-running show's inherent complacency is draining the performer's energy. Song Ji-hyo must strive to assert her presence, while the production team needs to find new breakthroughs. A harmonious blend of the performer's willingness to change and the production team's agile direction is essential to resolving the fundamental issues plaguing 'Running Man.'

Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr