Ji Ye-eun Takes Center Stage on 'Running Man' Amidst Public Romance with Bata

Ji Ye-eun dominated the center stage on 'Running Man' following her public romance with Bata.

The SBS variety show 'Running Man' aired on the 3rd featured a special 'Different is the Flower Road' race, with I.O.I members Chungha and Jeon Somi, who reunited for their 10th anniversary, as guests.

Chungha revealed that she spearheaded the I.O.I 10th anniversary reunion, saying, "I made the calls. I asked, 'It's the 10th anniversary, are we really not doing it?' and everyone gathered immediately. It all happened in one day," showcasing their enduring friendship.

Ji Suk-jin suggested, "Let's meet again in 10 years. I'll make the calls 10 years from today," to which Kim Jong-kook humorously replied, "We don't know if you'll be around," prompting Yoo Jae-suk to encourage, "Just stay healthy," causing laughter.

During the 'Kkang Kkang Balloon Rollercoaster' dance mission, Ji Ye-eun caught attention with her detailed moves to Zico's 'New Thing,' choreographed by her boyfriend Bata, after initially dancing wildly. Yoo Jae-suk's encouragement to "dance at the front" led her to take the center stage, revealing a rosy mood.

Ji Ye-eun also stood her ground in the 'Nickname for Lover' segment, using her real nickname "Dya-gi-yang (Honey)," leading to her elimination. Yoo Jae-suk shouted "My love, Kyung-eun," showing his affectionate side, while Haha teased, "That's funny," sparking a playful banter.

When the soap bubble game appeared, Jeon Somi reminisced, "I appeared on 'Dream Team' just as an elementary student," while Ji Ye-eun nervously recalled, "I have bad memories with soap bubbles. I was criticized for not doing well."

Kim Jong-kook encouraged her, "You've become so happy lately," with Haha adding, "That was when you were sick," offering support.

After all missions ended, during the final tally, Ji Ye-eun tearfully claimed, "Someone stole my money." Ji Suk-jin lamented, "After all the times it happened to me, now it's happening to my daughter," sympathizing with fellow Ji family member Ye-eun.

Yoo Jae-suk remarked, "You should have taken better care," but added, "It's revenge for Bata," pointing to Yang Se-chan as the culprit. Kim Jong-kook comforted, "You stole Bata's heart."

The culprit was revealed to be Jeon Somi, who stole Ji Ye-eun's bag and shared the money with Haha and Yang Se-chan. With Ji Ye-eun confirmed as the last in mission fees and facing a penalty, Haha and Yang Se-chan received punishment, delivering a 'poetic justice' ending.

Meanwhile, the preview for next week showed Ji Ye-eun's past crush, MeloMance's Kim Min-seok, and her 'some' list member Yoo Hee-kwan appearing. Yoo Hee-kwan confessed, "I was anxious about Ye-eun's dating rumors, worried the guest might change," raising anticipation.

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