The Official Running Man Cast 2025: Meet The New Member And The Unbreakable 7-Member Lineup
Contents
The Current Running Man Family: Complete Cast Biographies (2025 Lineup)
The *Running Man* cast, often referred to as the 'Running Man Family,' consists of seven regular members who bring an unparalleled mix of comedy, athleticism, and chaotic chemistry to the screen. The current lineup, featuring a blend of founding members and later additions, represents a powerful force in Korean variety television.- Yoo Jae Suk (유재석) - The Main Host / Grasshopper
- Born: August 14, 1972
- Role: The Nation's MC, main host, and the show's backbone. He is known for his quick wit, leadership, and iconic 'Grasshopper' nickname. He is a founding member since Episode 1.
- Key Entity: The 'Yoo-mes Bond' persona, known for water gun missions.
- Ji Suk Jin (지석진) - The Big Nose Hyung / Impala
- Born: February 10, 1966
- Role: The oldest member (*mat-hyung*) and the resident 'easy target' who is constantly teased by the others. His 'Impala' nickname reflects his tendency to be caught easily during Name Tag Elimination.
- Key Entity: The 'Race Start' catchphrase, his business ventures, and his comedic rivalry with Kim Jong Kook.
- Kim Jong Kook (김종국) - The Commander / Tiger
- Born: April 25, 1976
- Role: The strongest member, the 'Commander' who often dominates physical games. His duality as a powerful figure and a sensitive singer provides constant entertainment.
- Key Entity: The 'Sparta' nickname, the 'Kook-minator' persona, and his long-running "love line" with Song Ji Hyo.
- Haha (하하 - Ha Dong Hoon) - Haroro / Penguin
- Born: August 20, 1979
- Role: The show's mood-maker, known for his playful betrayal, short stature, and enthusiastic energy. His 'Haroro' nickname is a reference to the Korean cartoon character Pororo.
- Key Entity: His marriage to singer Byul, his reggae music career, and his 'Kidults' persona.
- Song Ji Hyo (송지효) - The Ace / Blank Ji Hyo
- Born: August 15, 1981
- Role: The only remaining female original member. She is known as the 'Ace' for her unexpected victories and the 'Blank Ji Hyo' for her moments of spaced-out confusion.
- Key Entity: The 'Monday Couple' legacy (with former member Gary), her unwavering loyalty to the members, and her acting career.
- Yang Se Chan (양세찬) - The Youngest Brother / T-Rex
- Born: December 8, 1986
- Role: A comedian who joined in 2017. He is known for his quick wit, chemistry with the older members, and his 'T-Rex' nickname due to his short arms.
- Key Entity: His comedic partnership with Ji Suk Jin and his ability to quickly adapt to the show's complex games.
- Ji Ye-eun (지예은) - The Newest Official Member / The Rising Star
- Born: October 21, 1994
- Role: Officially joined as a fixed cast member in early 2025. An actress known for her unique and energetic reactions, she quickly filled the void left by Jeon So Min with her fresh, positive energy.
- Key Entity: Her background as a rising actress and her immediate comedic synergy with the veteran cast.
The New Era: Ji Ye-eun’s Official Entry and Jeon So Min’s Emotional Farewell
The biggest news in the *Running Man* world in late 2023 and early 2025 was the significant cast transition. This period marked the end of the beloved six-year '8-Member Era' and the beginning of a new chapter with a fresh face.Jeon So Min’s Departure: An Emotional Goodbye
Jeon So Min, who joined the show in 2017 alongside Yang Se Chan, announced her departure in October 2023. Her final filming took place on October 30, 2023, with her last episode airing on November 12, 2023. Her agency, King Kong by Starship, cited a need for her to take a break and focus on her acting career, a decision made after careful consideration with the production team. So Min was celebrated for her unpredictable 'Crazy Woman' persona, her 'loveline' with Yang Se Chan, and her successful role in filling the void left by the departure of Lee Kwang Soo in 2021. Her farewell was highly emotional, highlighting the strong bond the 'Running Man Family' shares, a testament to the show's enduring topical authority.The Rise of Ji Ye-eun: Solidifying the 7-Member Lineup
Following Jeon So Min's exit, the show operated with six members for a period, relying on recurring guests and special missions. The breakthrough came with actress Ji Ye-eun. After several successful guest appearances, she officially transitioned into a regular cast member in early 2025. Her official joining was a strategic move by the production to inject new, youthful energy and chemistry into the established dynamic. Ji Ye-eun quickly won over viewers with her earnest participation, unique comedic timing, and ability to hold her own against the veteran cast, particularly in the complex psychological games that *Running Man* is famous for. Her seamless integration has been crucial in maintaining the show’s high ratings and global appeal in 2025.The Legacy of the Originals: The Unbreakable Bonds and Iconic Nicknames
The core of *Running Man*'s success lies in the legendary chemistry of the original members, a group that has been together since the show's inception in 2010. This long-term commitment has created an unparalleled level of comfort and spontaneous comedy, solidifying their status as variety show icons.The Pillars of the Show
The 'Originals'—Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Haha, and Song Ji Hyo—have been the unwavering pillars of the program for over a decade. Their collective history allows for inside jokes, genuine emotional moments, and a family-like dynamic that newer variety shows struggle to replicate. * Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Jin (The 'Two J’s'): Their friendship, dating back decades, provides an endless source of banter, with Yoo Jae Suk constantly teasing his *hyung* Ji Suk Jin. * Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo (The 'Sparta' and 'Ace'): Their on-screen relationship, often referred to as a 'loveline' or a 'business relationship,' remains one of the most popular LSI keywords associated with the show, constantly fueling fan curiosity. * Haha (Haroro): Despite his 'betrayer' tendencies, Haha's role as the little brother who constantly jokes and instigates the games is vital to the show’s energy.The Impact of Former Members
The show's history is also defined by the iconic members who have since departed, leaving behind a profound legacy that is still referenced today. * Lee Kwang Soo (The Giraffe): Kwang Soo's departure in 2021 due to a previous injury was a monumental moment. Known as the 'Asia Prince' and the 'Icon of Betrayal,' his chaotic energy and comedic misfortune are still missed and often mentioned by the current cast, keeping his entity alive within the show's topical authority. * Gary (The Peaceful Guy): Gary's departure in 2016 marked the end of the beloved 'Monday Couple' with Song Ji Hyo. His unique, laid-back persona and rap skills are part of the show's foundational history. * Song Joong Ki: An original member who left early to focus on his acting career, he is a reminder of the show's roots and the star power it has launched.The Production Powerhouse: Direction and Future Direction in 2025
Behind the success of the *Running Man* cast is the ever-evolving production team. In a significant update for 2025, the show saw a change in its main director (PD). Kang Hyung-seon took over the main PD role, continuing the trend of refreshing the show's creative leadership. A change in PD often signals a shift in mission style, editing, and overall show direction, ensuring the program remains fresh and competitive in the fast-paced variety landscape. The new director will be tasked with maximizing the chemistry of the new seven-member lineup, creating new iconic games to replace classics like the 'Name Tag Elimination', and further expanding the show's global reach, which remains massive across Asia and beyond. The inclusion of Ji Ye-eun and the stability of the long-standing core members suggest that *Running Man* is well-equipped to continue its reign as a global entertainment phenomenon for years to come.Detail Author:
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