Running Man PD Mentions Ji Ye Eun & Batta Dating

SBS's 'Running Man' has reached its 800th episode. Since its first broadcast in August 2010, it has been delivering laughter to viewers every Sunday evening for 16 years. Kang Hyung-sun PD, the current director, said, "800 episodes feels like a dream and is unbelievable," and expressed his gratitude, "I am truly thankful to the viewers who have been with us for 16 years."

Kang Hyung-sun PD, who joined 'Running Man' as an assistant director in 2016 and returned about 10 years later to reach the 800th episode, shared his feelings, "It still feels like a dream and is unbelievable." He expressed his respect for the members who have consistently run for 16 years, explaining that the members' joyful participation in filming on the 800th episode day, just like any other day, is the driving force behind creating the longest-running variety show.

For this 800th episode special, a race titled 'Ji Seok-jin's 60th Birthday Party' was held to celebrate fixed member Ji Seok-jin's 60th birthday. PD Kang mentioned that the members, who were in their 30s and have now entered their 40s, 50s, and 60s, must have had profound emotions. Ji Seok-jin himself expressed his gratitude, and fans also seemed to enjoy this special episode.

Regarding the recent widely discussed dating rumors involving Ji Ye-eun, PD Kang revealed that the production team also learned about it for the first time on the morning of the filming. He stated that he felt grateful as a director seeing Ji Ye-eun, the person at the center of the dating rumors, despite likely being flustered, transform the issue into something comedic with her unique energy on the filming day.

The creative race ideas are obtained from the guest's work when there is a guest, and by reflecting social issues or trends when there isn't. He added that ideas are also developed from past broadcast episodes, conversations with Yoo Jae-suk, and stories shared by the members.