‘Running Man’ Cast Excessively Teases Ji Seok Jin — And It’s Earning Sour Reactions From Viewers

The "Running Man" show and its cast members are being criticized for excessively teasing one of their mainstays, Ji Seok Jin. Viewers shared their reactions to the program's latest episode.

'Running Man' New Episode Receives Backlash From Viewers

"Running Man" is one of the most-watched and loved shows by viewers. However, even though the show has been runing for over a decade, there are still instances that the show receives criticism for the members' excessive jokes.

This time, the show is being criticized for reportedly "bullying" senior member Ji Seok Jin. 

In the recent episode aired on November 13, the cast participated in a race where they had to navigate through Seoul without using any navigation system.

Yoo Jae Suk maneuvered the car and showed he knew the streets of Seoul well. Ji Seok Jin was seated in the passenger seat with a map of Seoul.

As they began the race, Seok Jin looked at the map and yelled "turn right." However, Jae Suk said, "Hyung, stay still. All you have to do is just sleep and when you hear 'We've arrived,' reply 'Oh, Really.'"

Ji Seok Jin advised Yoo Jae Suk again on directions and Kim Jong Kook responded, "Hyung, just put the map down."

Song Ji Hyo butt in and said, "Oppa just sleep."

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Then, Yoo Jae Suk realized he took the wrong road, Ji Seok Jin stated, "I told you we should have gone straight."

Jong Kook then chimed in, "We will go straight. Why are you getting angry?"

Did the 'Running Man' Members Cross the Line For Teasing Ji Seok Jin?

Meanwhile, Yang Se Chan, who had been observing the scenario, spoke, "Why is everyone ganging up on Ji Seok Jin?"

The show captioned the scene with "They are fighting 6 to 1 again, today," showing how Seok Jin was again being ganged up on.

It's not the first time that the kind of scenario where members keep on teasing Ji Seok Jin happened in the show. It has been going on since the previous broadcasts.

"Running Man" team uploaded videos on their official YouTube channel with titles such as 'Running Man Big Nose Teasing Compilation,' 'Yoo Jae Suk Shutting Up Ji Seok Jin,' 'The Responsible Person Is Yoo Jae Suk,' and 'Yoo Jokester and Ji Seok.'

Upon seeing the consistency of how members treat Ji Seok Jin, no matter how friendly they are, viewers showed their discontentment with the cast and the show for crossing the line.

In an open forum online, viewers of the program commented on their thoughts about the recent "Running Man" episode.

"They have to do (joke) it in moderation."

"I would be upset to see Ji Seok Jin's family."

"It's the same as bullying. Why do we have to consume bullying as entertainment?

"It was indeed a bit severe. I feel like this has crossed the line of being fun."

"I was so uncomfortable watching the whole episode."

"Yoo Jae Suk was too much. It's because he's Yoo Jae Suk that no one was saying anything."

"The members can joke around with each other in healthy ways now but they always cross the line with his character. I think both Yoo Jae Suk and the PDs have to talk about this."

The "Running Man" team has no official statement yet regarding this ongoing issue.

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What are your thoughts about the latest "Running Man" episode? Share your replies with us in the comments!

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Shai Collins wrote this.