Yoo Jae-suk and Running Man

Yoo Jae-suk and Running Man Keep the Energy High in Latest Episode

The long-running SBS variety show Running Man continues to deliver laughs and loyalty in 2026. On the August 23 broadcast, the cast once again showed why the program remains a Sunday staple, with national MC Yoo Jae-suk at the center of the fun.

Haha Puts Running Man First

During the episode, Haha shared a surprising story. He revealed that he had been approached for a role in a Hollywood production tied to The Lord of the Rings. He completed a profile shoot and was asked to keep roughly a month free. Instead, he declined because Running Man filming came first.

Yoo Jae-suk immediately jumped in with his trademark wit, asking if Haha was playing one of the Hobbits. The rest of the members expressed mock regret, joking that the show runs smoothly without him. The moment captured the cast’s close bond and the priority they place on the program after more than 16 years on air.

source: Wikimedia Commons

The same episode featured a heartfelt special race dedicated to camera director Kang Chan-hee, who has been with the show since its very first episode. The members competed in missions, including a dart challenge against a professional player, to present him with gifts. Haha personally donated 500,000 won and offered ginseng as a token of appreciation. Yoo Jae-suk publicly praised the director’s long career, noting that his name has appeared in credits since the 1980s.

Yoo Jae-suk’s Steady Presence

Yoo Jae-suk continues to anchor the show with sharp timing and leadership. Recent episodes have highlighted his quick thinking in quizzes and races, earning him praise from fellow members as the reliable “brain” of the group. The cast, including Song Ji-hyo, Kim Jong-kook, Ji Seok-jin, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun, keeps delivering the chemistry that has sustained Running Man through hundreds of episodes.

source: Wikimedia Commons

Fans can catch highlight clips and full-episode previews on the official SBS Running Man channel. One recent video celebrating the show’s 16th anniversary captures the enduring spirit of the cast: Watch the 16th anniversary special here.

What do you think about Haha turning down the Hollywood offer? Drop your thoughts in the comments, hit like if you love the latest episode, and subscribe for more updates on Korea’s favorite variety crew.

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Sources

• MK (August 23, 2026) report on Haha’s revelation
• STARNEWS coverage of the August 23 episode
• SBS official Running Man materials and episode summaries