South Korean singer and entertainer HAHA (하하) recently made a surprising revelation on SBS’s variety show “Running Man.” He shared that he had previously received an offer to star in a major Hollywood film, “The Lord of the Rings.” Not only was he selected as one of the “Asian representatives,” but he had also completed character profile photos. However, due to a scheduling conflict with “Running Man,” he ultimately made the difficult decision to forgo the opportunity to enter Hollywood. The news sparked heated discussions online in Korea, with many netizens expressing regret.
The latest episode of SBS’s “Running Man,” which aired on the 23rd, featured a special “Go, Director Kang” competition dedicated to Kang Chan-hee (강찬희), the show’s director of photography who has been with the team since its first episode. At the start of the program, the production team unexpectedly revealed that HAHA had received a casting offer for a major Hollywood film, leaving all the cast members in disbelief.
Faced with everyone’s astonished reactions, HAHA hesitated, asking, “Can this really be revealed?” He then reluctantly disclosed that the project that had extended the offer was none other than the globally renowned film series, “The Lord of the Rings.”
Upon hearing the film’s title, Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) immediately quipped, “So, were you a hobbit?” HAHA didn’t deny it, revealing that he was indeed one of 12 hobbit actors considered and had received the offer as an “Asian representative.” Yoo Jae-suk seized the opportunity to tease him, saying, “HAHA’s feet are big, so he’s perfect for a hobbit. No special makeup would even be needed.” This sent the set into laughter.
Even more surprisingly, HAHA hadn’t just received an audition invitation; he had already completed character profile photos. He explained, “I took all the profile photos and sent them over. They even asked me to clear about a month of my schedule.” However, the filming schedule for “Running Man” was already set at that time. After careful consideration, HAHA ultimately chose to decline the offer, stating, “Because the ‘Running Man’ filming was scheduled first, I had to say no.”
HAHA further revealed that this project was a special “Lord of the Rings” initiative that would bring together the main cast, further shocking the other members. Seeing that he had given up an opportunity to participate in a globally renowned film, the other members expressed even more regret than he did. Yang Se-chan (양세찬) even joked, “It wouldn’t make much difference if you weren’t here, hyung. ‘Running Man’ would still run perfectly fine without you.” Other members also pressed him, asking, “Why didn’t you go?” expressing their pity for HAHA.
However, Yoo Jae-suk still seemed unconvinced by HAHA’s story, playfully teasing him, “Was it perhaps a ‘Lord of the Rings’ spin-off, like ‘Lord of the Stone Ring’ or something?” Ji Suk-jin (지석진) joined in, adding, “Or ‘Lord of the Semi-Basement’? Was it a story about living in a semi-basement?” Their back-and-forth banter had the set roaring with laughter.
Notably, HAHA not only turned down a Hollywood offer for “Running Man” but also once again demonstrated his deep affection for the show in this episode. To present a gift to Director Kang Chan-hee, the members prepared prizes such as wild ginseng and gift certificates for a dart competition. When they failed the challenge, HAHA immediately paid 500,000 KRW (approximately $360 USD) out of his own pocket to buy the wild ginseng for the director.
HAHA is also the only member who has never missed a single recording of “Running Man” in its 16-year run since its premiere on July 11, 2010. When he received a Special Award at the “2025 SBS Entertainment Awards,” he humbly stated that the award wasn’t because he was particularly outstanding, but because he “kept enduring and kept working, which led him to this day.”
While accompanying “Running Man” for 16 years, HAHA has also transitioned from a single artist to a father of three children. He once specifically thanked his wife, Byul (별), for her long-term, silent support and joked that he could finally bring a trophy home to comfort his son, Dream, who had been disappointed that his father hadn’t won an award earlier, drawing continuous laughter from the audience.
From turning down the “Lord of the Rings” offer to staying with “Running Man” for 16 years, HAHA’s “long-standing loyalty” to the show has once again become a hot topic. After the news spread on Korean online communities, netizens left comments expressing regret: “It was only for a month, and he didn’t take it. I really feel bad for him,” “Is this a joke?” “Couldn’t he have coordinated with the production team? It would have helped promote the show, a win-win situation, such a shame,” “If it was for ‘Running Man,’ the production team would have waited for him,” “He had a complete opportunity to expand his acting career, it’s truly regrettable.”
However, some fans also believed HAHA’s choice was not without reason: “I think HAHA’s main role on ‘Running Man’ is more valuable,” “It’s a shame, but if it wasn’t an important role, and HAHA is the only member who has never missed an episode of ‘Running Man’,” “I’m a loyal fan of ‘Running Man,’ but I can understand his choice.” Netizen opinions were divided.
