Let’s be real. If you’ve spent any time on the Korean variety show circuit, you’ve probably argued with someone about the funniest Running Man episode ever made. It’s a dangerous game. Fans have been debating this since 2010. You have the "Old School" purists who think the show peaked during the Gary era, and then you have the new-age fans who swear by the chaotic energy of the Lee Kwang-soo and Jeon So-min years. Honestly? They’re both right. But some episodes just hit different.
Variety shows are basically lightning in a bottle. You need the right guests, a crew that’s actually awake, and a concept that doesn't feel like a rehash of something from 2014. Running Man has survived because it leans into the absurdity of grown adults betraying each other for a bag of rice or a gold ring. It’s slapstick, but it’s also high-stakes psychological warfare.
The Absolute Chaos of the Superpowers Episode
If you ask a hardcore fan to point to one moment that defines the show’s peak, they’re going to mention Episode 74. This is the second Christmas Special, and it’s arguably the funniest Running Man episode because it fully embraced the "chuunibyou" cringe of superpowers.
Everyone was given a specific ability. Gary had the "Lolol" clones (a group of dudes in matching outfits following him around), and HaHa had the power to control time. It sounds stupid on paper. It is stupid. But seeing Song Ji-hyo’s face when she realizes she’s being chased by six identical Garys is gold. This episode worked because the cast committed 100% to the bit. They weren't "too cool" for it. They screamed their catchphrases with zero shame.
The brilliance of Episode 74 wasn't just the editing. It was the realization that these people had developed such distinct personas that you could put them in a superhero movie and it would actually make sense. The betrayal levels were off the charts. You’ve got Kim Jong-kook being the final boss as usual, but then someone resets time and suddenly the predator becomes the prey. It’s a masterclass in variety pacing.
Why the "Try Not to Laugh" Challenges Always Go Viral
Moving away from the high-concept stuff, sometimes the show is at its best when it’s just the cast being humiliated. The "Global Race" era brought us some of the most meme-able moments in TV history. Specifically, Episode 373.
This is the one where they went to Indonesia for the Manual Timber Trolley. But the real highlight? The "Silent Convenience Store" game. The premise is simple: go into a store and buy stuff without laughing at the ridiculous people inside.
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You’ve got a store clerk with a nose hair that’s three feet long. You’ve got a guy dressed as a giant baby. It’s juvenile. It’s low-brow. And it’s absolutely hilarious. Watching Lee Kwang-soo try to keep a straight face while his soul visibly leaves his body is a religious experience for variety fans.
The reason this often ranks as the funniest Running Man episode in modern polls is accessibility. You don’t need to know ten years of lore to find a man with a weird wig funny. It’s universal. It’s the kind of humor that transcends the language barrier, which is why Running Man became a global juggernaut in the first place.
The Kwang-soo Factor
We have to talk about Lee Kwang-soo. Losing him was a massive blow to the show's comedic frequency. He was the "God of Variety" for a reason. Things just happened to him. Remember the episode where he stepped on an egg? It was a 1-in-30 chance, and he picked the raw one immediately. You can’t script that kind of bad luck.
In Episode 473, the "Joker’s House" episode, the cast had to endure a series of "try not to laugh" tests that got progressively weirder. Han Ki-beom (the legendary basketball player) appearing to do the "mosquito dance" alongside Kwang-soo is peak comedy. It’s the kind of moment where you’re laughing so hard you actually forget to breathe.
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Guest Chemistry and the "Horror" Episodes
Sometimes the funniest moments come from guests who are terrified. Episode 406-408 (the Luxury vs. Shuddering Package) is a prime example. Sending Lee Sang-yeob, Kang Han-na, and the rest of the crew to England for the "Wing Walking" penalty was a stroke of genius.
Lee Sang-yeob, in particular, became a variety legend during this run. His "betrayal" chemistry with Kwang-soo was so natural it felt like they were long-lost brothers. When guests stop trying to promote their new movie and start actually fighting for their lives to avoid a penalty, that’s when the magic happens.
The Misconception About "Scripted" Variety
A lot of people think these shows are 100% scripted. "Oh, they knew the spy was going to win," or "The PD told them to betray each other." While there is a skeleton structure, the best moments are usually mistakes.
Take the "Yoo-mes Bond" specials (Episode 38, 91, 196). Yoo Jae-suk sneaking around with a water gun sounds like a kids' game. But the tension is real. The sweat on his forehead isn't fake. When he successfully snipes someone's name tag from a balcony, the genuine shock from the other members is what makes it work. If it were all scripted, it wouldn't have the same raw energy.
Finding Your Own "Funniest" Moment
Comedy is subjective. What makes me cry-laugh might just make you smirk. But if you’re looking for a starting point to understand the hype, here’s how to navigate the 700+ episodes of chaos:
- For pure competition: Look for the early 100s. The "Running Man vs. Idols" episodes (like Episode 104) are high-energy and physically impressive.
- For psychological games: The "Reincarnation" episode (Episode 130) is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s smart, twisty, and very funny.
- For "Family" vibes: Watch anything from the 2017-2019 era when the 8-member cast (including So-min and Se-chan) was finding its groove. Their banter is top-tier.
Practical Steps for New Viewers
If you’re diving into the world of Korean variety for the first time, don’t try to watch from Episode 1. It’s a different show back then—much more focused on physical games in landmarks.
- Start with a themed special. The "Superpowers" or "Horror" specials are the easiest way to see the cast's personality.
- Look for "Best Of" guest compilations. If you like a specific actor or K-pop group, find their episode first. The familiarity helps.
- Watch the "Members' Week" series. These episodes (around the 330s) focus heavily on the relationships between the cast members and are some of the most emotional and funny hours of TV.
- Pay attention to the PD (Production Director). Fans often divide the show by "eras" based on who was directing. The Cho Hyo-jin era is very different from the Bo-pil era.
The funniest Running Man episode is ultimately the one that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with a group of chaotic, slightly dysfunctional friends. It’s about the "Monday Couple" banter, Suk-jin’s endless bad luck, and the sheer audacity of HaHa’s betrayals.
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To get the most out of your viewing, use a reputable streaming service like Viki or Kocowa that provides high-quality subtitles. Variety show slang moves fast, and a good translator makes a world of difference. Once you find that one episode that clicks, you'll understand why millions of people have been tuning in every Sunday for over a decade.
For those looking to catch the most recent highlights, check out the official SBS Running Man YouTube channel. They frequently post "all-time" clips that serve as a great litmus test for which full episodes are worth your time. Focus on clips with high "Try Not to Laugh" engagement; they rarely miss.