The Unbreakable Bond: Where Is The Running Man Cast Now? (2025 Update)

The South Korean variety show Running Man (런닝맨) has cemented its status as a global entertainment phenomenon, maintaining an impressive run for over a decade. As of December 2025, the cast continues to navigate high-stakes missions, hilarious betrayals, and the iconic name-tag ripping game, all while undergoing significant, yet necessary, changes to keep the format fresh and the laughter rolling. This article provides the definitive, most up-to-date look at the current members, the recent emotional farewells, and the new faces stepping into the formidable shoes of the show’s legends.

The show’s longevity is a testament to the chemistry of its core members, often referred to as the ‘Running Man Family.’ While the original lineup has seen shifts over the years, the current ensemble remains one of the strongest in Korean television history, continually drawing in millions of viewers worldwide with their comedic prowess and genuine camaraderie. Keep reading to see the complete 2025 roster and the latest updates on their careers and roles within the show.

The Core Members: Full Biography and Current Status (December 2025)

The current main cast of Running Man consists of six permanent members. Their roles, nicknames, and contributions are the backbone of the series, creating the topical authority that fans have loved for years. The current lineup is a mix of founding members and later additions who have proven their staying power.

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• Yoo Jae-suk (유재석)
  • Role/Nickname: The Nation's MC, Yoomes Bond, Grasshopper, Yoo-ruce Willis.
  • Biography: Born August 14, 1972 (Age 53). A foundational member since the first episode in 2010. He is widely considered the most influential comedian and television host in South Korea. He is the main host, leader, and strategic mastermind of the team, often driving the narrative of each episode.
  • Current Status: Remains the central pillar of the show and the entertainment industry.
• Ji Suk-jin (지석진)
  • Role/Nickname: Big Nose Hyung, Race Starter, Impala.
  • Biography: Born February 10, 1966 (Age 59). The oldest member of the cast, known for his easy-to-bully persona and poor luck in games. His comedic dynamic with Yoo Jae-suk (the 'Jee-Yoo Couple') is a long-standing highlight.
  • Current Status: Continues to provide veteran comedic support and is the primary target for jokes and missions.
• Kim Jong-kook (김종국)
  • Role/Nickname: Commander, Tiger, Sparta-Kook.
  • Biography: Born April 25, 1976 (Age 49). A successful singer and television personality. He is the strongest member, famous for his physical dominance in games and his iconic 'Commander' role. His love-hate relationship with Yoo Jae-suk and his on-screen 'lovelines' with Song Ji-hyo are fan favorites.
  • Current Status: The undisputed physical powerhouse and moral compass of the cast.
• Haha (하하) (Ha Dong-hoon)
  • Role/Nickname: Haroro, Penguin, Kid-in-Chief.
  • Biography: Born August 20, 1979 (Age 46). A singer, rapper, and variety star, known for his perpetual youthful energy and playful betrayals. He is one of the original members and a master of creating comedic situations, often reverting to his 'kid' persona.
  • Current Status: Remains a mischievous and essential comedic element, maintaining his long-running partnership with Kim Jong-kook.
• Song Ji-hyo (송지효)
  • Role/Nickname: Ace, Blank Ji, Mong Ji (Sleepy Ji).
  • Biography: Born August 15, 1981 (Age 44). An acclaimed actress and the only female founding member. She is known for her unexpected victories, her candid, 'blank' expressions, and her ability to sleep anywhere. Her 'Monday Couple' dynamic with former member Gary Kang was legendary.
  • Current Status: Continues to hold her 'Ace' status, offering a unique, unscripted charm.
• Yang Se-chan (양세찬)
  • Role/Nickname: Yang-Sebari (The Annoying One), The Newbie.
  • Biography: Born December 8, 1986 (Age 39). A popular comedian who joined as a permanent member in 2017 alongside Jeon So-min. He quickly established himself with his quick wit, bickering chemistry with the older members (especially Kim Jong-kook), and his comedic energy.
  • Current Status: A vital part of the current chemistry, often providing a younger, more energetic perspective.

The Major Shift: Jeon So-min’s Emotional Departure and the New Dynamic

The most significant cast change in recent years, outside of Lee Kwang-soo's departure in 2021, was the farewell of actress Jeon So-min (전소민). Her exit marked the end of a powerful era for the show.

Why Jeon So-min Left Running Man

Jeon So-min officially departed the show in November 2023, after six and a half years as a permanent member. Her agency stated that she wished to focus more on her acting career, which was the primary reason for her decision.

However, her time on the show was not without difficulty. Jeon So-min had previously spoken candidly about the emotional toll of appearing on the show, which included suffering from constant, harsh malicious comments from some viewers. This issue of online harassment is a sensitive topic that has been widely discussed in the Korean entertainment industry, and her departure brought it back into focus.

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Her departure left a major void, as she was known for her eccentric, unpredictable, and often hilarious 'crazy' character, which provided a fresh dynamic to the long-running cast. Fans were left emotional, especially after her final episode, which celebrated her contributions.

The 2025 Strategy: Introducing 'Rental' and Guest Members

In the wake of Jeon So-min's departure, the producers of Running Man have opted for a new, flexible strategy rather than immediately naming a permanent replacement. This approach keeps the core six members intact while allowing for fresh, temporary energy. This strategy is a significant update for the 2025 season.

The Rise of the 'Rental' Member

The show has introduced the concept of a 'Rental Member' or 'Guest Member' who appears for a set number of episodes, effectively filling the seventh slot temporarily. This allows the production team and the audience to test chemistry without the pressure of a permanent commitment.

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Notable 2024-2025 Rental Members:

• Kang Hoon: The actor gained significant attention during his appearances in 2024 and was mentioned as a 'Rental Member' for a period. His dynamic, particularly his comedic rivalry with Kim Jong-kook, was well-received by viewers.
• Ji Ye-eun (지예은): An actress who has been featured in several 2025 episodes. She has been listed in some sources as a 'Rental member,' indicating the show's continued use of this rotating cast strategy to maintain variety and a fresh feel.

This rotating cast model ensures that the show, which has been directed by various PDs (Producing Directors) over the years, including Choi Hyung-in in the 2022–2025 period, continues to evolve and surprise its audience. The show's ability to adapt its format and cast, moving from the original name-tag ripping focus to more complex games and character-driven missions, is key to its enduring global success and high topical authority in variety television.

Whether the show will eventually settle on a new permanent seventh member remains a major point of curiosity for fans. For now, the combination of the unbreakable core family—Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, and Yang Se-chan—with a rotating cast of talented 'rental' members is the formula that keeps Running Man one of the hottest and most-discussed variety shows in 2025. Fans can look forward to more international fan meetings and continued high-energy episodes throughout the year.