Running Man Dominates Ratings Again with Hilarious Auction Race and Unexpected ‘Honey’ Moment

Running Man, one of South Korea’s longest-running and most beloved variety shows, continues to prove its popularity as the episode aired on the 20th secured the number one spot in its time slot based on the key 2049 demographic. According to Nielsen Korea (Seoul Capital Area, household basis), the show recorded a 2.4% viewership among the target group and surged to a peak rating of 5.4% during its most-watched moment.

This week’s episode kicked off with a humorous moment featuring cast member Ji Yeon’s dramatic weight loss. Fellow members expressed concern, with Yoo Jae-suk joking, “I’ve seen people lose their character like this before,” referring to her no longer having her once-iconic ‘double chin,’ causing bursts of laughter on set.

The central theme of the episode, titled “Merchant Chronicles: You Must Earn to Survive,” split the cast into two teams led by Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Jong-kook. The teams competed via a comical auction challenge, trying to sell various items across different neighborhoods.

Yoo Jae-suk’s team headed to Dongdaemun, where Ji Suk-jin tried on a partial wig at a local wig shop. His new look shocked guest star Choi Daniel, who exclaimed, “You look younger—like Park Bo-gum!” Yoo added, “How can you look so young?” as laughter ensued. Ji Suk-jin even seriously considered buying the wig, adding more comedy to the segment.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-kook’s team made their way to Seongsu-dong. Song Ji-hyo, who has also made a name for herself as a CEO, shared business-savvy advice saying, “Buy something only if someone would truly want it.” Pleased with her strategy, Kim Jong-kook responded, “That’s real CEO talk.” However, things took a hilarious twist when Song Ji-hyo accidentally called Kim Jong-kook “honey.” Shocked laughter erupted as she quickly clarified, “I meant to say ‘hello.’”

The teams then participated in an auction with the show’s producers, only to find their standards tough to meet. Kim Jong-kook’s team hilariously bundled items like a tumbler with a goofy four-photo collage of the members in hopes of increasing desirability.

As bid prices often fell below the original purchasing price, the episode wrapped with a roulette wheel determining the winner—Kim Jong-kook’s team. Losing the bid war, Yoo Jae-suk’s team had to face a comedic “pot-breaking” penalty.

With high viewership ratings and genuine laugh-out-loud moments, Running Man once again demonstrated why it’s remained a fan-favorite for over a decade.