The Current Running Man Cast: 6 Stars Who Define The Show's 2024 Era And The Shocking New 'Rental' System

The iconic South Korean variety show Running Man has navigated over 14 years of broadcast, reaching its monumental 700th episode milestone in 2024. This longevity is a testament to the enduring chemistry of its core cast, who continue to redefine the landscape of Korean entertainment. As of today, December 14, 2025, the show is anchored by six permanent members, but the lineup is anything but static, with a new, dynamic "rental member" system being introduced to fill the void left by a major departure.

The current era of Running Man is marked by a blend of veteran comedy, fresh energy, and emotional farewells, keeping the globally popular program fresh. Fans are closely watching the new format, which promises to introduce new dynamics and entities to the show's universe, ensuring the legacy of name-tag ripping and hilarious missions continues into its next decade.

The Current Running Man Cast: Full Profiles and Biography (2024-2025)

The heart of Running Man lies in its permanent cast, a group of entertainment legends with distinct roles and decades of experience in the industry. The current main lineup consists of six members, each with a rich biography and a signature character on the show.

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• Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) - The Main MC & 'Yoo-ruce Willis'
  • Born: August 14, 1972
  • Debut: 1991 (KBS Comedian Festival)
  • Role: The 'MC of the Nation,' main host, and the strategic leader. His on-screen nickname, 'Yoo-ruce Willis,' highlights his knack for survival and surprise twists in missions. He is under Antenna Entertainment.
  • Recent Activity: Continues to lead several major variety shows, solidifying his status as one of South Korea's most influential television personalities.
• Jee Seok-jin (지석진) - The 'Big Nose Hyung'
  • Born: February 10, 1966
  • Debut: 1992 (Singer)
  • Role: The eldest member of the cast. Known for his 'Big Nose Hyung' persona and his running gag as the weakest member, often the first to be eliminated. His character is a constant source of comedic betrayal.
  • Recent Activity: Took a temporary hiatus in late 2023/early 2024 due to health concerns but made a welcome return to filming in early 2024, showing his dedication to the program.
• Kim Jong-kook (김종국) - The 'Commander' & 'Sparta'
  • Born: April 25, 1976
  • Debut: 1995 (as a member of the duo Turbo)
  • Role: The physical powerhouse, or 'Commander,' known for his strength and strategic mind, making him the most formidable opponent in name-tag ripping. He is also a highly successful solo singer.
  • Recent Activity: Actively managing his music career and YouTube channel, while maintaining his 'Commander' image on the show. He released a new song in March 2024.
• Haha (하하 - Ha Dong-hoon) - 'Haroro'
  • Born: August 20, 1979
  • Debut: 2001 (as a singer and rapper)
  • Role: The master of mischievous betrayal and comedy. His nickname 'Haroro' is a reference to the Korean cartoon penguin 'Pororo,' due to his small stature and playful nature. He is a key entity in the 'betrayer' line.
  • Recent Activity: Continues his career in music, variety shows, and his work as a restaurateur. He is a prominent figure in the RGP group.
• Song Ji-hyo (송지효) - The 'Ace' & 'Blank Ji'
  • Born: August 15, 1981
  • Debut: 2001 (Model)
  • Role: The only female permanent member since the initial cast. She is known as the 'Ace' for her unexpected victories and the 'Blank Ji' for her occasional dazed or sleepy expressions, which provide unintentional comedy.
  • Recent Activity: Made a highly anticipated return to the big screen with the film House of Meeting in late 2024, balancing her acting career with her variety work.
• Yang Se-chan (양세찬) - The 'Newbie' Comedian
  • Born: December 8, 1986
  • Debut: 2005 (Comedian)
  • Role: Joined the cast in April 2017. He is known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and his 'loveline' with Jeon So-min before her departure, often playing the role of the younger brother or the punching bag for the older members.
  • Recent Activity: Continues to be a fixture in the Korean comedy and variety scene, solidifying his role as a crucial part of the show's new generation.

The Shockwave of Jeon So-min's Departure and The New 'Rental Member' System

The biggest change to the Running Man cast in recent times was the departure of actress Jeon So-min in October 2023. Her exit marked the end of the 'Som-Chan' pairing with Yang Se-chan and a major shift in the show's dynamic, as she had been a core member for six years.

The production team decided not to immediately replace her, instead opting for a fresh and experimental format: the 'Rental Member' system. This system allows the show to bring in temporary cast members for multi-episode arcs, injecting new entities and topical authority into the program without committing to a permanent change.

Key Interim and Guest Members Defining the 2024-2025 Season

The 'Rental Member' concept has already introduced several high-profile guests who have temporarily become a part of the Running Man family, creating fresh chemistry and new running gags.

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• Kang Hoon (Episodes 706–714, 2024): Actor Kang Hoon was one of the first and most notable 'rental members' following Jeon So-min's exit. His initial run in May 2024 was well-received by fans, who enjoyed his slightly awkward but determined persona, earning him a temporary spot in the cast's history.
• Choi Daniel (Episodes 747–781, 2025): Actor Choi Daniel was confirmed as another interim member in March 2024, with his episodes scheduled to air well into 2025. His participation highlights the show's commitment to using the rental system to explore new comedic entities and game dynamics.
• Jeon So-min's Special Return (January 2025): In a move that delighted fans, SBS announced that Jeon So-min would return as a special guest for an episode airing in January 2025, providing an emotional reunion with the cast. This guest appearance is a major highlight for the new year.

The Enduring Legacy: 700 Episodes and Global Fan Meetings

Reaching 700 episodes in 2024 is a monumental achievement for any variety show, cementing Running Man's status as a global K-Variety phenomenon. The show has been a consistent source of entertainment since its debut in 2010, relying on its core format of missions, challenges, and the iconic name-tag ripping game.

The cast's topical authority extends beyond South Korea, with their international fan base remaining incredibly strong. A major event for 2024 was the announcement of the 'RUN 2 U in Manila' fan meeting, scheduled for July 2024, which demonstrates the cast's commitment to connecting with their overseas audience.

The current Running Man cast, led by the 'MC of the Nation' Yoo Jae-suk, continues to evolve. While the departure of key members like Jeon So-min and the earlier exits of Gary and Lee Kwang-soo have changed the show's flavor, the new 'Rental Member' system is proving to be a successful strategy. By bringing in fresh talent like Kang Hoon and Choi Daniel, the program maintains its unique blend of comedy and competition, ensuring that the 'Running Man' universe remains a dominant force in global entertainment.

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