10 Best Male Guests in “Running Man”
Fairlane is a devout Asian entertainment fan. On the side, she is a professional screenwriter and author.
Since the regular cast members of Running Man have the best variety of skills, it’s hard to find celebrities who can easily match their timing, connection, and all-around game-playing abilities. That said, there have been some stand-out guests that can play with them really well.
Here are the top 10 male guests from Running Man!
10. Cha Tae Hyun
Cha Tae Hyun with Kim Jong Kook when they were younger. Along with Jang Hyuk, they are known as the Dragon Brothers. They’ve been best friends for a long time and their chemistry shows on screen.
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
10, 57-58
Highlights
- Every interaction with Kim Jong Kook.
- His guest appearance with Song Ji Hyo where he “forced” Running Man members to help him complete his mission.
What Makes Him a Great Guest
Cha Tae Hyun is one of Kim Jong Kook’s best friends. Along with Jang Hyuk, they are known as the dragon brothers. He’s also great friends with the guys on the show including Haha and Kang Gary. That’s why his appearances on the show are so funny—it feels like you are hanging out with a group of friends who have known each other since they were kids. Since they know each other so well, they can turn every situation into something funny.
Cha Tae Hyun knows how to play with this. He “abuses” his familiarity with the cast and does all sorts of silly things, forcing his teammates to focus on winning while he takes care of the comedy.
Cha Tae Hyun’s Background and Career
Cha Tae Hyun is a South Korean actor and singer best-known internationally for his roles in the hit comedies My Sassy Girl (2001), Scandal Makers (2008), and Hello Ghost (2010).
My Sassy Girl 2 is set to be released in 2015, and in 2014 he starred in the movie Slow Video. He is also starring in an upcoming K-drama The Producer, set to be released in May 2015.
He’s also been a cast member on the variety show 2 Days & 1 Night since 2013, where he’s had the chance to hone his variety show skills.
Trivia
- After 13 years of dating, he and actress Eun-suk Choi married. They were high school sweethearts and she was his first and only girlfriend.
Cha Tae-hyn at Music Camp
9. Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong Wook takes a selfie during their filming break. Notice the two kids at the back, as sweet as ever.
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
133-134, 136
Highlights
- Nametag-tearing round where he not only had to tear off nametags, but he also had to look for a clue to bring in Kim Jong Kook.
- Finishing more than 15 pieces of (whatever it was they were eating) to win a sword in competition with Yoo Jae Suk.
Why He’s a Great Guest
- He gives the game his all and holds nothing back, including his grandmother’s kitchen sink.
- In the Asian Tour, he ended up entering almost every room on all the floors they were using for the game just to find the clue. He was sweating like crazy and running around chasing people like a nine-year-old hell-bent on winning. It was too bad that in the end he couldn’t get enough help and ended up losing.
- He left such a big mark on the show that he is still mentioned in many show fan forums to-date.
Lee Dong Wook’s Background and Career
Lee Dong Wook is a South Korean actor who is best known for his leading roles in the television dramas My Girl (2005), La Dolce Vita (2008), Scent of a Woman (2011), Hotel King (2014), and Blade Man (2014).
In 2014, he was also featured in the first and second season of the variety show Roommate.
Trivia:
- To quell rumors of dating on Roommate, S.E.S. member Shoo and Lee Dong Wook stopped being friends on the show.
Lee Dong Wook on Late Night Cafeteria
8. Cho Sung Hoon (Chu Seong-hoon) aka Yoshihiro Akiyama
The concept was bounty hunting when Cho Sung Hoon first appeared on Running Man.
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
131, 150
Highlights
- The one-on-one nametag-tearing battle versus Kim Jong Kook.
- Wrestling with Kim Jong Kook.
- Taking down Lee Kwang Soo.
Why He’s a Great Guest
Cho Sung Hoon is the strongest guest player to have appeared on Running Man. He is a professional MMA athlete. When he appeared on Running Man, everyone was waiting for the big event, his one-on-one with the Commander, Kim Jong Kook and it didn’t disappoint.
Cho Sung Hoon proved that he is a worthy match for RM’s strongest runner. They battled it out for more than five minutes in a clean one-on-one nametag-tearing battle. There was no one else in sight, and no one interrupted. It was a battle of wits and strategy. I dare say it was the best nametag-tearing battle ever seen on Running Man.
Cho Sung Hoon in Episode 150
Cho Sung Hoon’s Background and Career
Cho Sung Hoon (Chu Seong-hoon), also known as Yoshihiro Akiyama, is a South Korean and Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka.
Akiyama is well-known for winning the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championships for South Korea, and for Japan at the 2002 Asian Games.
Trivia
- A fourth-generation Japanese of Korean descent, Cho Sung Hoon acquired Japanese nationality in 2001.
- Since 2013, Cho Sung Hoon and his family have been featured in the KBS2 reality show, Superman is Back where celebrity dads are left in charge of their kids without their wives.
Cho Sung Hoon Highlight Reel
7. Choo Shin-soo and Ryu Hyun-jin (Pro Baseball Players)
Ryu Hyun-jin (Pro Baseball Players) was ultra competitive.
Appearance on Running Man
Episodes
119
Highlights
- Nametag-tearing battle.
- The entire special powers baseball.
Why They Were Great Guests
It is always nice to see professional athletes visiting Running Man, especially those who turn out to be big fans. They always give it their best and quickly establish rapport with the members. Somehow, having watched Running Man for some time, it makes them feel like they are “part of the family.” They know the banter, the standard jokes, the usual setups, and the characters of each member.
That was all apparent when Choo Shin-soo and Ryu Hyun-jin went on the show. With no opportunity to meet the cast, they sprung into nametag-tearing action right away and didn’t hold back at all. They sent chills down everyone’s spine by showing the same competitive spirit they have in their professional games.
Their superpower baseball game was even more fun. Not knowing what to expect, they reacted and played around very well. This was the second episode of Running Man that I watched and it was the episode that got me hooked.
Choo Shin-soo and Ryu Hyun-jin: Backgrounds and Careers
Ryu Hyun-jin
Ryu Hyun-jin is a South Korean baseball player who is currently the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After seven seasons with the Hanwha Eagles, Ryu became the first player from the KBO to join a MLB team via the posting system. He was also the first South Korean to serve as the starting pitcher of a Major League Baseball postseason game.
Trivia:
- Left-handed pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin began the 2015 MLB with the Dodgers on the disabled list because of a hurt shoulder.
Choo Shin-soo
Choo Shin-soo is a South Korean professional baseball player, currently the outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Formerly, he also played for the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, and Cincinnati Reds.
Choo was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Pitcher of the 2000 World Junior Baseball Championship when South Korea won the event. After that, Choo signed a $1.35 million contract with the Mariners and started playing in the outfield.
Trivia:
- Shin-woo has a calligraphy tattoo on his forearm with the letters “SWMG,” which stand for the names of his family members: S from Shin-soo, W from Won Mi (his wife), M from Moo-bin (Korean name of his elder son, Alan) and G from Gun-woo (Korean name of his younger son, Aiden).
6. Nichkhun
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
4-5, 19, 40, 50-51, 104
Highlights
- Thailand special when he didn’t know Running Man was going to visit his family.
Why He’s a Great Guest
Nichkun is a Running Man veteran. Though he hasn’t been on the show for over a year, he was a regular before that and rightfully so. He is one of the few idols that always gives it his all regardless of the challenge. He tears nametags, strategizes, cooks, and looks for clues as if he were one of the regulars on the show.
The best thing about him is his wit. There are very few people who can be on the same wavelength as Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Kang Gary and Kim Jong Kook. When Nichkun is on, it feels like he is one of them. He knows if the guys are setting up for something funny and he is always totally in the joke.
Add to that the fact he’s strong and has great stamina and you’ve got a great player that can even outlast RM.
Nichkhun in Episode 40
Nichkhun’s Background and Career
Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul, usually known mononymously as Nichkhun, is a Thai-American singer, model, and actor currently based in South Korea. He sings and raps as a member of 2PM, a six-member South Korean boy band.
Trivia:
- Born in Rancho Cucamonga, California to a Thai father and fourth generation Thai-Chinese mother, Nichkun moved back to Thailand with his family when he was two but finished his high school career in California.
Nichkhun in “2pm: Hand’s Up”
5. Cha In Pyo
Appearance in “Running Man”
Episode
144
Highlights
- Train ride with Yoo Jae Suk.
- His exaggerated ddakji fighting stance.
Why He’s a Great Guest
By the end of this episode, every Running Man member professed their love for Cha In Pyo. He was active, funny, and did the impossible by out-talking Yoo Jae Suk.
He did all sorts of funny and silly things that even motivated Yoo Jae Suk to say that he didn’t ask Cha In Pyo to do any of the things he did. He was just improvising.
Right off the bat, he was taunting everyone and running around to tear off nametags with complete disregard to who he was facing. He skillfully created great set-ups and hilarious “trash-talking” moments with the cast and other guests before tearing off their nametags. During the ddakji battle he showed his goofy confidence even if he wasn’t that good at it, which made things funnier.
Cha In “Pyo Playing Ddakji”
Cha In Pyo: Background and Career
Cha In Pyo is a Korean actor who has starred in both movies and television dramas. In 2014, he played General Chun Tae Woong in the series Endless Love on SBS.
On the big screen, he played Mr. Kim in the 2015 movie Seoul Searching, based on the true story of a 1980s government program in Korea that sponsored foreign-born Korean teens to spend a summer in Seoul and reconnect with their heritage.
Trivia:
- Cha In Pyo has three children, one son and two daughters, one of whom is adopted.
4. Jackie Chan
Appearance on “Running Man”
Episode
135
Highlights
- Getting out of the frame when Haha was taking a selfie with him in the frame.
- Pressure mat challenge.
- Being dragged away by Haha and Kang Gary.
Why He’s a Great Guest
Even in Hollywood, Jackie Chan is known for being spontaneous and incredibly honest, which makes for very funny interviews. He brought that spontaneity to Running Man. Having stayed in Korea for two years, Chan understands Hanggul pretty well and speaks some too. And even though he had to be aided by a translator, it didn’t stop him from creating funny moments.
He was goofy in the pressure mat challenge and quickly learned the cheating ways of Running Man in the headgear challenge. His spontaneity made Running Man feel at ease with him, allowing the cast to do things to Jackie Chan that they usually only do to each other.
Jackie Chan: Background and Career
Jackie Chan almost needs no introduction. A well-known Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director, producer and singer, Chan is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts which he typically performs himself. Chan has been acting since the 1960s and has appeared in over 150 films.
In terms of accolades, Chan has received stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A cultural icon in Asia and beyond, Chan has been referenced in various pop songs, cartoons, and video games. A little known fact is that Chan is also a Cantopop and Mandopopstar, having released a number of albums and sung many of the theme songs for the films in which he has starred.
His first directed movie 1911 was released in 2011, and he’s played the voice of the Monkey in Kung-Fu Panda 1, 2, and 3.
Trivia
- Jackie Chan sustained a near-death fracture to the skull while filming Armour of God.
Jackie Chan – Blooper Reel
3. Park Ji Sung
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
95-97, 152-154
Highlights
- Being host for the day.
- Confessing his love for Running Man.
- Setting up IU to get the final win.
Why He’s a Great Guest
Park Ji Sung admitted he wants to be a regular on Running Man and loves the show so much that he shares the episodes with his teammates. In fact, he has brought over some of his friends over to the show.
When he stood in for Yoo Jae Suk as host, he was so good that he surprised the cast. He knew all the drills, from Kang Gary’s stress to Haha and Yoo Jae Suk’s fight to Lee Kwang Soo’s stupid role.
Park Ji Sung: Career and Background
Park Ji Sung is a South Korean former footballer who currently serves as a club ambassador at Manchester United.
Born in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, Park was the captain of the South Korean national team until he retired from international football. He is one of the most decorated Asian footballers in history with accolades like being the first Asian footballer to have won the FIFA Club World Cup. Park can play anywhere across the midfield and is noted for his exceptional fitness level, discipline, work ethic and off-the-ball movement. His remarkable endurance levels and pace earned him the nickname ‘Three-Lungs’ Park.
Trivia
- To help him gain strength when he was a boy, Park Ji Sung’s father fed him frog soup and deer antlers.
2. Jung Yong Hwa
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
7, 11, 17, 35-36, 72-73, 104, 127, 129
Highlights
- One-on-one with Kim Jong Kook in a nametag-tearing battle.
- In his second guest appearance, he single-handedly figured out the clue and saved his team to snag the win where the members confirmed that he really is the ace.
Why He’s a Great Guest
He has been on the show so many times that Running Man members don’t even treat him as guest anymore. Furthermore, everyone feels like he is a regular and he has publicly acknowledged that had he not been so busy with tours and other CNBlue commitments, he would gladly be a permanent part of the show.
RM likes having him on because he is a real ace. He is both strong and intelligent. He’s also great at figuring out how to put together clues to find the real answer. He knows where to hide and what to do in those nametag-tearing battles as well as how to play around with the cast to create funny moments. In fact, he is the first celebrity guest to suggest a reverse RM vs guest challenge. He asked the production staff to make RM members they are tricking him when he was actually the one doing it actually the one tricking them. He ended up winning the challenge.
He doesn’t care about being an idol and also shares a very close friendship with Kang Gary and Haha off-screen. He is one of the few guests to beat Kim Jong Kook in a one-on-one nametag tearing battle. Afterwards, he kept Kim Jong Kook’s nametag and posted it on Twitter.
Jung Yong-hwa on Episode 17
Jung Yong-hwa: Background and Career
Jung Yong-hwa is a South Korean musician, singer, songwriter, producer and actor. He made his show biz debut as “Kang Shin-woo” in the Korean drama You’re Beautiful on October 7, 2009 and played the male lead as “Lee Shin” in the 2011 drama Heartstrings. In addition, Jung is also the leader, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band CNBLUE.
In January 2015, Yong-hwa debuted as a solo artist with the album “One Fine Day” and clinched the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s World Albums chart.
Trivia
- In an interview from March 2014, Jung Yong Hwa said that he and Park Shin Hye have never dated even though they are friends.
Jung Yong Hwa’s Single “One Fine Day”
1. Choi Min Soo
Appearances on “Running Man”
Episodes
52-53, 69, 118
Highlights
- Final battle versus Yoo Jae Suk.
- His threat to Yoo Jae Suk when Yoo Jae Suk betrayed him.
What Makes Him a Great Guest
Choi Min Soo is to Running Man what Loki was to Avengers. He is the one great nemesis that Running Man will always fear. He will always be the great anti-hero that is strong where everyone else is weak. Most important of all, he is darn funny.
He shows Running Man a lot of respect by preparing before going to the show. He doesn’t go there and do whatever. Instead, he goes in advance and thinks of the things he wants done to create a great show for the audience and give some good laughs. His last appearance was especially impressive as he was able to set up everything to combine “fear” and “comedy” in the show. The result is one of the most unforgettable episodes ever where the members felt like they were on a slasher-cum-comedy film.
Choi Min-Soo on Episode 69
Choi Min Soo: Background and Career
Choi Min Soo was born into one of Korea’s most famous acting families, with acting going all the way back to his grandfather and grandmother, Jeon Ok, who was known as the “Queen of Tears.”
Choi Min Soo has appeared in dozens of films and dramas, though his most recent drama roles were in “Faith: The Great Doctor” and “The Blade and the Petal.”
In 2014, he starred in the kdrama Pride and Prejudice on MBC and in 2014, he had a leading role in the film How to Steal a Dog.
Trivia
- Choi Min Soo married June Elizabeth Kang in 1993 when she was representing Canada in a Miss Korea pageant.
The Radio Star with Choi Min Soo
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2013 Fairlane Raymundo
Laz on May 04, 2020:
This was update on 2020. Why all the guest from way before ep 200 in this list. Is the new guest after ep 200-500 not worth it? Sigh….
Hash on September 04, 2019:
No.1 Gong yoo
ming on July 06, 2019:
choi minho, kim woo bin, gong yoo, lee sang yeob
assilsaranghe on June 14, 2019:
lee dong wooooooooooow omg!!!!! i love him so much he is the best
yell on January 05, 2019:
For me episode with Gong yoo and Park Hee-speed was the best
Keven on November 29, 2018:
Ryu Seung Soo. The guy fits in well with the cast and he leaves a mark his sense of humour and just an overall offbeat attitude. Probably the most unusual guest of all time.
Irene on June 06, 2018:
You forgot Minho (Shinee)
saintzkarol on March 25, 2018:
i think the episode with Ji chang wook was really funny.
kyumin on March 23, 2018:
choi min soo. hands down. i enjoyed all his appearances on the show. i wish someday he will come back.
EXO1 on October 02, 2017:
EXO(d.o)!!!!! but also, nichkhun, minho, Jackie Chan, and Park Ji Sung.
Sweety on November 28, 2016:
JUNG YONG HWA… He is the best guest
Sunshine on November 16, 2016:
I agree with your list but don’t forget Choi Minho from Shinee. He is strong and competitive but also funny so i think he matches well with runnig man cast. (Sorry if my english isn’t correct)
Jay on October 21, 2016:
Kim woo bin should be here
gracious on September 15, 2016:
Kim woo bin
Noeranann on August 25, 2016:
Nichkhun oppa is the best!
aifg on July 03, 2016:
Yongwha i strongly agree, but where the heck is Seunggi????
Nuri on May 26, 2016:
Ji Jin Hee, Jung Woo Sung, Park Shin Yang, Oh Ji Ho, Yoo Ah In?
sad on March 22, 2016:
woo bin!
anezka on December 22, 2015:
JUNG YONG HWA, hands down, is the best………..he truly is an ace…..he is fun, easy-going, charming, has a great sense of humour, blends well with the cast and is always joking and laughing around……I love his personality -He is brave, strong, sharp, takes on all the challenges with a fighting spirit and gives his 100%……he loves being on the show, and I love watching him…..Yong-hwa is awesome ( and he is great to look at)…..
eunbaby on October 30, 2015:
I think kim soo roo should be here. He was really good
Jonathan on September 25, 2015:
Where in the world is Lee Seung Gi ???!!!
Fairlane Raymundo (author) from Los Angeles, CA on July 26, 2015:
@Rara I will review this list again at the end of the year. let’s see if he makes it
Rara on July 26, 2015:
I think you should add kim woo bin and lee seunggi too. They are so funny and their interaction with the cast is so natural.
nicole christy on July 01, 2015:
kim woo binnnnn
Fairlane Raymundo (author) from Los Angeles, CA on April 30, 2015:
@philip, i will update the list tomorrow. It’s been some time. Many guests have come on the show
philip on April 30, 2015:
I think Ji Jin Hee deserves a spot here. he is quite strong and he is one of the smartest guest in running man. he also gives his all and he seems to get along well with running man members.
yongjovi on April 14, 2015:
The one and only…Yonghwa..He’s not only brave, he blends great with the cast of running man and you can tell that for him more then a compromise it’s a pleasure to go to this show because it’s pretty obvious that he enjoys every second of the games and he is always in a good mood no matter if he wins or lose, he always give the best of himself and that is something that as spectator I really appreciate.
spritekulit on April 14, 2015:
thank you for bringing back our ace yonghwa on episode 242 will be looking forward on his next appearance again
misho sy on April 14, 2015:
Of course Yong hwa oppa
MD on April 14, 2015:
Jung Yonghwa the best
soe you nandar on February 20, 2015:
I want Yong hwa oppa to become running man member♡love you oppa
lmn on December 22, 2014:
i love lee dong work!
Madi on December 07, 2014:
Ryu Seungsoo needs to be added to this list. He was one of the funniest guests they’ve ever had, and the best part about that, is that is was unexpected.
vboice on October 15, 2014:
Jung Yonghwa ♥ Daebak
can’t say 🙁 on September 12, 2014:
WOO BIN although he hasn’t been in that many episodes i still love him
An on August 16, 2014:
I love Choi MinSoo like A LOT BUT hmestly speaking? Yonghwa is the best guest.
eRna on June 29, 2014:
I like Oh Ji Ho, I think he gave his best effort too in the episode which he became the guest star then,especially when he approved to fool Kim Jong Kook at the train station,it was so funny,,,
Marissa on June 14, 2014:
Jung yonghwa is real..I vote for him as 8 member of runningman..in my dream..hehe
Marissa on June 14, 2014:
No other than cnblue leader Jung yonghwa..he’s the best..fighting.
Emma on May 03, 2014:
Ok but Kim Sooro definitely belongs on this list. He’s easily one of the best.
Anne on February 14, 2014:
Yes Yonghwa is really an ace, I can’t wait him and Members of CN Blue next guesting.