Demands for 'Running Man' to adjust its members are making headlines in Korea! Netizens can't help but speak up for Song Ji Hyo!
At the beginning of this month, there was a wave of discussions on Korean online forums demanding Song Ji Hyo to leave "Running Man." On the 28th, Korean media also released news regarding this matter, with the headline stating, "Demand for Song Ji Hyo to leave 'Running Man' emerges in large numbers, saying 'I want to earn money while sleeping too.' According to the report, the long-running variety show "Running Man" on SBS has been receiving continuous requests for Song Ji Hyo to leave the show. This is primarily due to her attitude displayed on the program. The trigger for these demands was the "Detox Journey at Ji Hyo's Stay" segment of the "2023 Running Tour" episode, which aired on the 4th. During this segment, the members experienced a day in Ji Hyo's life, with the first activity being taking a nap in their dormitory. While Yoo Jae Suk found it difficult and awkward to sleep in front of the camera, the other members jokingly played around to make the segment more entertaining. The only ones who peacefully slept were Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook. Furthermore, in that episode of the show, Song Ji Hyo even dozed off with her back turned to the camera during an outdoor shoot. In post-production, subtitles were added to the scene, describing it as "Ji Hyo peacefully entering slumber amidst nature" and "a solitary detox journey she wholeheartedly embraced." Korean media even highlighted comments from the YouTube video of that episode, such as "Song Ji Hyo appears to be troubled and in need of rest," "This episode feels a bit excessive," "Song Ji Hyo seems to show signs of depression. I hope she receives treatment. She enjoys peace and quiet and constantly expresses her desire to sleep," "How did Song Ji Hyo end up like this? She wasn't this extreme before. It seems like there's a growing disconnect between her and the other members. Regardless of the jokes, she takes them personally and feels upset," "I also wish I could make money by saying just a few words." The report also mentioned that "Running Man" has been a long-running variety show for 14 years. Despite its popularity among viewers, it has become increasingly difficult for the members to maintain the same level of energy and physical activities as in the past. As a result, the show has undergone changes and shifted towards a more conversation-based format. However, in comparison to the other members who engage in lively banter, Song Ji Hyo appears more reserved. Even when the other members intentionally bring up Song Ji Hyo to involve her, she struggles to actively participate and sometimes takes their jokes to heart, feeling hurt by them. After reading the report, netizens couldn't help but speak up for Ji Hyo. "Ji Hyo is actually very entertaining, why treat her like this?" some commented. Others said, "Asking her to leave is a bit severe, but if she's tired, she should take a few months off to rest." Some pointed out that the show's current direction doesn't suit her well. "They constantly focus on discussing personal lives, and it feels lacking," they remarked. "In the past, when the show's content matched its name 'Running Man,' she was truly active. However, now that the focus has shifted to more conversations, it doesn't seem to suit her as much," another netizen expressed. Another opinion shared was, "Personally, in last week's episode, it felt like the other members also struggled to make an impact. Although Song Ji Hyo has always been less talkative, because the members were engrossed in personal topics, it seemed challenging for her to find an opportunity to speak up." Lastly, some commented, "She really doesn't seem to mesh well with the current 'Running Man.' In the past, when the show primarily revolved around games, she excelled as the ACE, displaying quick reflexes and even participating in romantic storylines. But now, things have changed." However, there were also netizens who felt that Ji Hyo was truly not in the right state. "Putting aside whether she is entertaining or not, it seems like she has completely lost her drive," one comment stated. "It's not that she is trying but not being funny; it's more about her attitude during the recordings..." another comment pointed out. "Could it be that she is already experiencing professional fatigue? If she feels exhausted, leaving the show might be a viable option..." one netizen speculated. "If she is tired, she could take a break like what Jeon So Min did and come back once she has recharged," another comment suggested.
