It took three years for them to finally come to Manila but it was worth the wait.
The stars of the popular Korean TV variety show “Running Man” finally met Pinoys in a fan meeting and concert.
"Running Man" stars Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hyo, Jeon So-min, Haha, Jee Seok-jin and Yang Se-chan in Manila (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)
Korean stars TV host Yoo Jae-suk, singer Kim Jong-kook, actress Song Ji-hyo, actress Jeon So-min, singer Haha, TV personality Jee Seok-jin and comedian Yang Se-chan held their “Running Man: A Decade of Laughter” show on April 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The show was originally scheduled to take place in February 2020 but Covid-19 pandemic came that restricted travel, events and gatherings.
The seven stars of the show opened their Manila event with the song “Missing You” by K-pop boy band BTOB.
“We were supposed to be here three years ago but because of the pandemic, we were able to be here only today. We are all very happy that we are here tonight together with all Manila fans,” said Yoo Jae-suk, a beloved celebrity in South Korea.
“Running Man” was launched in 2010 and has been on the air for nearly 13 years. Its list of guest stars included K-pop idols including BTS and BLACKPINK, and international celebrities like Tom Cruise and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
“We went through many tough times. Like what Seok-jin said, until he becomes 60 and we reach his age, we would like to run until we can,” said Song Ji-hyo on until when the members of “Running Man” will be on the show.
Games, songs and dances
The “Running Man” in Manila show featured games with Filipino fans, and solo and group spots by the cast.
From solo numbers to group performances, the “Running Man” stars showcased their talents in singing and dancing.
"Running Man" in Manila (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)
One of the highlights of the show was Jee Seok-jin singing the Filipino song “Ikaw (You)” by Yeng Constantino that earned loud cheers from the audience.
“I prepared a Tagalog song for all of you. But I was surprised because of your powerful shouts. Of course I felt that everything I did was worth it,” he said.
Yang Se-chan performed Zico’s “Artist” while Jeon So-min danced to 2PM’s “My House.”
Yoo Jae-suk sang his trot song “Redevelopment of Love” and Haha performed “Dang Diggi Bang” and “Don’t Laugh.”
Song Ji-hyo danced to Brave Girls’ “Rollin’” and Kim Jong-kook performed “Easy on Me” and “One Man (Han Namja).”
Jeon So-min and Song Ji-hyo danced to K-pop girl group IVE’s hit song “Love Dive” and Haha and Kim Jong-kook paired up for “Raise Your Voice.”
Yoo Jae-suk, Jee Seok-jin and Jeon So-min sang “Confess Already” followed by Jeon So-min and Yang Se-chan doing a duet with “All For You,” a song from the original soundtrack for the Korean drama “Reply 1997.”
Jee Seok-jin and Song Ji-hyo performed “Don’t Give It To Me” while Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Kim Jong-kook and Yang Se-chan sang “New Thing.”
Yoo Jae-suk, singer Kim Jong-kook, actress Song Ji-hyo, actress Jeon So-min, singer Haha, TV personality Ji Seok-jin and comedian Yang Se-chan.
The “Running Man” stars were overwhelmed and impressed by the huge turnout and the shouts and cheers by Pinoy fans.
Haha said it seemed that there was not enough time for the show and “we have no choice but to come back.”
“I love the time that we spent together,” said Yang Se-chan.
Jeon So-min said, “I really had fun. I am not sure if your really had fun as much as I did.”
“I just wanna say thank you for your love and support. We’re gonna keep running and we will do our best,” said Kim Jong-kook.
According to Yoo Jae-suk, “The response from the audience was beautiful.”
During the show, a video made by the fans was shown.
“We are very much overwhelmed. Sometimes we ask ourselves: ‘Who are we to deserve this kind of love?’ I believe that because of your love and support that we are here. And of course, as long as you are there, we will keep running,” said Yoo Jae-suk.
To wrap up the show, the stars performed “Lovable,” “I Like It” and “Redevelopment of “Love.”
“We will be back,” said Yoo Jae-suk.
The following day, the “Running Man” cast had a reunion in Manila with Pacquiao, who was the guest on the show last October.
“The first ever reunion of Running Man & ninong Manny Pacquiao in Manila,” wrote Lyn Ramos who posted photos.
The “Running Man: A Decade of Laughter” show was presented by Pulp Live World.
