Photo by Khrizvyy
Event
[FAN MEETING RECAP] “Running Man: A Decade Of Laughter In Manila” Is Truly Worth The Long Wait
No matter how long it took, Running Man’s fan meeting in Manila proved to be worth the long wait for their beloved fans!
The month of April started on a great note for Filipino fans as the cast members of the longest-running South Korean variety show Running Man finally graced the Philippines for their much-anticipated fan meeting.
Titled Running Man: A Decade Of Laughter In Manila, the highly-awaited fan meeting took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 1, 2023. Last Saturday night was filled with happy memories as Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, HaHa, Song Ji Hyo, Jeon So Min, and Yang Se Chan met their Filipino fans for the first time.
Starting the fan meeting, the seven well-loved cast members appeared one by one on stage to serenade the jam-packed crowd with BTOB’s track “missing you.”
The members of Running Man then took turns greeting the audience. The Nation’s MC Yoo Jae Suk said, “It’s three years in the making. I’m so happy to be here with all of you.”
With more than a decade of running and over 640 episodes under their belt, Song Ji Hyo shared that their team hopes to stay together for a long time. “We want to continue running until Ji Suk Jin turns 60 years old and all of us reach that age too,” she said.
Similar to the other members, HaHa was surprised by the warm welcome they received. “We are so shocked that so many people are waiting here for us. We were sad that you waited a long time for us, but finally, we are here to be with you. Please open your hearts and just enjoy the show to the fullest!”
Yang Se Chan, the youngest member of the team, also expressed his delight to meet such an energetic crowd. He said, “I hope my mom is here to see how many people are cheering for me.”
Race start!
After their sweet opening number and interview session with the MC duo Kring Kim and Ryan Bang, the members came back on stage with their blue shirts to play games with lucky fans.
For the first game, fans were selected to partner with each member. Together, they played a relay game to see which team will come first place. Finishing the set of challenges in just 24 seconds, Kim Jong Kook and his partner fan were hailed winners of the game. The fan received signed items from the members, including caps and sunglasses.
In addition, two more fans joined the members in playing the second game: K-Pop Dance Quiz. Both fans won a special Polaroid photo session with the members.
Special performances
Much to the delight of Filipino fans, the Running Man crew leveled up the excitement inside the venue with their special performances.
Individual numbers
- Yang Se Chan – Zico’s “Artist”
- Ji Suk Jin – Yeng Constantino’s “Ikaw”
- Jeon So Min – 2PM’s “House”
- Yoo Jae Suk – Yoo Sanseul’s “Redevelopment of Love”
- HaHa and RGP – “DANG DIGGI BANG” and “DON’T LAUGH”
- Song Ji Hyo – Brave Girls’ “Rollin’”
- Kim Jong Kook – Adele’s “Easy on Me” and his hit track “One Man”
Unit stages
- Kim Jong Kook and HaHa – “Raise Your Voice”
- Ji Suk Jin, Yo Jae Suk, and Jeon So Min – “Confession Of Your Love”
- Yang Se Chan and Jeon So Min – “All For You”
- Song Ji Hyo and Jeon So Min – IVE’s “Love Dive”
- Ji Suk Jin x Song Ji Hyo – Loco and Hwa Sa’s “Don’t”
- Yoo Jae Suk, Kim Jong Kook, HaHa, and Yang Se Chan – Zico’s “New Thing”
Touching present from PH fans
The Filipino fans gave their all-out cheers to the members of Running Man during their performances. As the crew came back on stage to bid their farewell, a surprise video was played for them. The fan-made video featured several PH runners from all over the Philippines as they express their gratitude and love for their favorite stars.
Overwhelmed with emotions, the members were seen teary-eyed as they bow to thank all the fans. “Who are we to deserve your love? Until you’re here to support us, we will always be here running with you,” said Yoo Jae Suk.
Ji Suk Jin, who was playfully interacting with fans, touched everyone by revealing how much he love the program as well as his members. “Running Man is my life,” he said. Jeon So Min added, “I really had a lot of fun. I hope you enjoyed our performances. We will show you better performances next time.”
Moreover, Kim Jong Kook left a promise to the fans, saying, “We were so touched by the video you gifted us, we are surely coming back [for you].” As they wrap up the show, the team went closer to fans as they deliver their encore performances.
Apart from gifting us a fun-filled three-hour fan meeting (that was three years in the making), the assurance knowing they will keep on running together is a great comfort and joy for all of us fans! Until next time, Running Man!
Running Man: A Decade Of Laughter In Manila was brought to fans by Pulp Live World.
Event was covered by Khrizvyy (Khriz Virgilio)
