Veteran hosts and entertainers indeed, there was never a dull moment with the cast members of Running Man! After the incredibly successful run of Running Man’s Asia tour last year, cast members Kim Jong Kook, HAHA (Ha Dong Hoon), Song Ji Hyo, Ji Suk Jin and Lee Kwang Soo are back in town for the Singapore leg of ‘Race Start Season 2’ over the weekend.
Witty, charming and spontaneous, the five out of seven hosts of the immensely popular variety show are still as humble and amicable when they appeared at the press conference held on 28 Nov 2014, at the Pan Pacific Hotel.
Who is more petrifying than outrageous roller coaster rides? Who does not bow at 90 degrees anymore? And who got a crush on Angelababy? Members shared it all.
Returning to the sunny island, Suk Jin missed the food; HAHA loves the clean streets while Jong Kook yearned for the tropical ‘perfect weather’. For our beloved Girin Kwang Soo, he wanted to thank all the fans who warmly welcomed him at the airport and shared that he really wants to go back to the Universal Studios Singapore for the Transformers’ ride. Lucky for Ji Hyo who arrived a day early than the rest, she got to do some sightseeing at the S.E.A Aquarium, and quipped “my next stop will be the Singapore Night Safari.” Now we know where to catch them the next time!
Touching on the unflinching popularity of Running Man across the region and how it feels to be part of the stellar cast, big-nose hyung Jin Suk expressed gratitude on behalf of the team, “Honestly, we do talk about this once in a while in private. We are really honored to be able to receive such love from everyone. We thank you all.”
Fluent in English, Jong Kook added, “It’s great to be part of the TV show, we didn’t expect this much love. We all have a big responsibility for the show, and we will always try our best for our viewers.” Not sure if Kwang Soo really caught all of his hyung’s words, but he was as supportive as ever and exclaimed “Yes, me too!” that got all the media friends laughing.
Onscreen or off-screen, members’ great dynamics and solid chemistry shines through and there was just so much fun going on onstage at an otherwise static media conference. At one point, HAHA and Kwang Soo were talking ‘intimately’ and looked like they were almost kissing. Suk Jin and Jong Kook on the other hand, were linking arms to form the heart shape (cue Jong Kook’s muscular arms). There was even a random ‘feel, touch, cross’ cheer by the easy brothers Suk Jin, HAHA and Kwang Soo! Ji Hyo must have felt really ‘burdensome’ and was covering her mouth tittering nonstop.
One question was directed to all members except Kwang Soo and the lanky maknae went “Ah, wae wae (why why)?” Upon knowing that the question was on whether members treat him in a different light after he won awards for his role in ‘It’s Okay, It’s Love’, a ‘smug’ Kwang Soo deliberately leaned back comfortably in his seat.
Jong Kook went “He (Kwang Soo) is very cocky right now. He knows he is a superstar. We cannot have meals at the same table anymore. Last time he used to bow at 90 degrees, and now, maybe lesser?” Adding fuel to the fire, HAHA said “He has more staff fussing over him now. Five people for hair, five for makeup…” And then the two hyungs began ‘servicing’ Kwang Soo, with Jong Kook serving him a glass of water, HAHA tidying up his hair, and coupled with Kwang Soo’s expression, it was way too hilarious!
After all the fuss, Jong Kook laughed and clarified, “He is still humble. He is the best guy. He’s not gonna change. I will hate him if he does!”
Talking about participating in the China version of Running Man, a smiley Jong Kook shared that the cast members from both teams became really comfortable with each other during filming and had a good time, “We are also happy that we won the special race, kind of childish, but yeah…” everyone laughed, and Jong Kook continued “China Running Man is really big right now, really want to congratulate them.” Bashfully, Kwang Soo added, “Angelababy, so beautiful!”
With more episodes added year after year, the question on the most memorable episode became tougher for the members. HAHA, Jong Kook and Ji Hyo felt that every episode is special with all members coming together, sweating together, laugh and cry together. HAHA also shared that the first episode was unforgettable since it was a big start for all and it felt like they filmed 30-hour non-stop!
Affectionately known as the Asia’s Prince, among many other nicknames, Kwang Soo chose the Vietnam race since that was when Jong Kook ‘bestowed’ the title to him, while Suk Jin shared “One guest I’m thankful for is Jackie Chan. He was our idol when we were young, so it was very special to film with him!”
Lastly, the easy brothers shared how petrifying their roller coaster rides were while filming the episode in Taiwan but the conclusion by Kwang Soo was “Nothing beats Jong Kook hyung. He is scarier than the roller coaster!”
With Singapore as the final stop of ‘Race Start Season 2’, the much anticipated performance concluded at The Star Performing Arts Centre on 29 Nov 2014.
Catch new episodes of Running Man on Fridays at 11.45pm on ONE (SingTel mio TV Ch 513, 604, 514 and 605 and StarHub TV Ch 820, 823 and 124). Repeats air following Fridays at 7.40pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays at 11.15pm.
Officially KMUSIC would like to thank ONE TV ASIA for the great invitation.
Article: Kathryn Zhang
Photos: Hidayah Hamdan & ONE
Edited by: LeighDarling
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