Song Ji-hyo Charms Younger Guest on 'Running Man,' Kim Jong-kook Quips: "He Could Be Your Son!"

South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo (송지효) recently showed significant interest in rookie actor Cha Woo-min (차우민), born in 2000 and 19 years her junior, during an episode of SBS's variety show “Running Man.” She not only initiated conversation but also publicly called him “cute,” amusing the other cast members. Kim Jong-kook (김종국) couldn't resist quipping, “He could be your son!”

The “Running Man” episode, which aired on the 26th, featured Kang Hoon (강훈), Kim Hye-jun (김혜준), and Cha Woo-min, the stars of tvN's new drama “My Idol President,” as guests. They joined the hosts in various missions.

Cha Woo-min, making his first appearance on “Running Man,” immediately captured everyone's attention with his handsome looks. Ji Suk-jin (지석진) praised him, saying, “He's the type of handsome guy you'd secretly have a crush on, truly good-looking.” Song Ji-hyo, sitting nearby, instantly grew curious about Cha Woo-min, asking him, “Where were you born?” Yoo Jae-suk (유재석), noticing her interest, playfully asked, “Why are you suddenly asking Woo-min so many questions?”

Song Ji-hyo candidly replied, “Because he's cute.” This comment immediately drew playful teasing from Haha (하하) and Kim Jong-kook. Haha laughed, “Your tone of voice suddenly changed!” Kim Jong-kook added, “He's the age of your son!” The entire set erupted in laughter.

Later, Cha Woo-min revealed he was from Busan and currently lives in Seoul's Mapo District. As a fellow Mapo resident, Song Ji-hyo exclaimed excitedly, “You live in Mapo District too?” She then extended her hand to shake his, showing her friendly side and once again causing a stir among the cast.

Beyond the age gap becoming a running gag, the episode also featured a debate on the theme of “office romance.” Yoo Jae-suk's team argued that “office romance is acceptable,” while Kim Jong-kook's team took the opposing stance.

When Song Ji-hyo stated, “Office romance reduces work efficiency,” Yoo Jae-suk immediately countered, “Why would office romance reduce work efficiency?” Kim Jong-kook seized the opportunity to tease Yoo Jae-suk, saying, “You probably haven't had many office romances, so you wouldn't know, right? Your only one went straight to marriage.” This was a subtle jab at Yoo Jae-suk's marriage to announcer Na Kyung-eun (나경은), whom he met on “Infinite Challenge.” Yoo Jae-suk immediately put down his bag and laughed, responding, “I'm a success story! Isn't this the most positive outcome of an office romance?” His comment sent the entire set into laughter.

Finally, the show interviewed a PD who married a “Running Man” writer, asking for their thoughts on office romance. The production team ultimately unanimously supported the idea that “office romance is acceptable,” bringing the entertaining debate to a close.

Cha Woo-min officially debuted in 2021 through the BL drama “Color Rush.” He gained recognition in 2022 with “Weak Hero Class 1” and has since appeared in works like “Our Romantic Film” and “Treasure Island.” Recently, he has taken on new dramas “My Idol President” and “Love Recharge,” as well as “Solo Leveling” alongside Byun Woo-seok (변우석) and Han So-hee (한소희), indicating a continuously rising acting career.