Running Man
2010
Original language: Korean
- comedy
- reality
The story
These days, as variety shows are gradually disappearing, this is one of Korea’s representative variety shows that has been responsible for Sunday evenings for over 10 years. This program features numerous stars and members going around various places, playing games, and completing missions. In particular, among the many fun elements of variety shows, this one focuses solely on laughter. Open your eyes! Big fun is coming in! Open your mouth! Big laughter is coming in! Open your heart! Useful lessons are coming in!
What it’s like
Bright daylight and saturated colour, with the camera hopping between handheld close-ups and wide shots of parks, beaches, theme parks and urban streets, all cut together at a brisk clip. Captions pop onto the screen, sound effects punctuate every stumble, and the score is a bouncy, brass-and-synth pulse that rarely lets up. The vibe is loud, bright and cheerfully chaotic: a Sunday-afternoon lift, something to put on while folding laundry or cooking, or a group-watch that gets everyone laughing at once. Pacing is relentless, with missions, races and games stacked one after another, and the emotional register stays light, affectionate and competitive, with the cast's rapport and playful teasing doing most of the work. Intensity is mild: slapstick falls, splashes, forfeit penalties and shouted reactions, but no violence, gore or sexual content, and nothing frightening. It suits viewers who want high-energy, feel-good comedy, fans of Korean variety and celebrity banter, and anyone who wants something gentle and funny with no tension to sit through.
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