There is always something interesting going on with the 'Running Man' members; be it Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Lee Kwang-soo or Yoo Jae-suk. They are often in the news for colourful reasons.
As noted by website Soompi, Kim Jong-kook and Haha appeared on a V Live broadcast for their show 'Big Picture' on October 18. The episode revealed the depth of friendship between the 'Running Man' members. It was something about Song Ji-hyo.
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Haha said, "Song Ji-hyo said she's currently watching the show. I'll try calling her." Song Ji-hyo told Haha that at that time, she was on a set, filming a project. Having heard it, Haha replied, "Oh, really? Then come on 'Big Picture' next time. Bye. I love you." The call ended there. For Haha, it seemed like a warm gesture of friendship, nothing more. He is after all married to singer Byul.
However, Kim Jong-kook took this opportunity to tease Haha, asking him, "You love her? Does Byul know this? You love her? Technically, you guys aren't family." To this, Haha replied, "I like her without the trembling feelings. I like her because she's [like] my little sister."
Of course Kim Jong-kook maintained an air of playfulness through the whole thing but was there a hint of jealousy there, somewhere? Jong-kook and Song Ji-hyo are officially known as the SpartAce couple in 'Running Man.' They have remained so since Gary's departure and the obvious end of the 'Monday Couple.' If he has hidden romantic feelings for Ji-hyo, he might feel a bit jealous of someone else saying they love her. Of course, no one knows.
Fans love the chemistry between Jong-kook and Ji-hyo and many have expressed their desire to see them become a real-life couple. On January 1, this year, a fortune teller visited the sets of the SBS variety show. He said Kim Jong-kook's ideal partner would be Song Ji-hyo and revealed that he has the most marriage compatibility with the actress. Other 'Running Man' members had also encouraged the two.
The chemistry between ex-Running Man member Gary Kang and Ji-hyo was no doubt undeniable and very strong. Fans had hoped they would get married. To everyone's surprise, Gary announced on April 5, on Instagram that he had tied the knot with a non-celebrity woman. Nobody knew about the event, not even Gary's 'Running Man' friends. By the way, Allkpop noted that Gary's new track 'Concert,' his first release following his marriage, was rejected as unfit for broadcast by KBS. The reason being, his lyrics have reference to Instagram.
On October 10, Kim Jong-kook revealed that he wants to get married soon and promised, "I'll deliver good news in the near future." He had said that his decision was influenced by the fact that many of his friends were already married and he wanted to catch up with them. Fans of course, took this opportunity to speculate whether Song Ji-hyo is the bride. The 36-year-old actress is still single and they look good together on 'Running Man.'
However, marriage is a serious decision and does not depend on the wishes of fans or friends. It depends on the two people who agree to tie the knot. So far, there have been no strong hints about Ji-hyo and Jong-kook being romantically interested in each other. They are after all, on a game show and on-screen chemistry does not necessarily translate to marriage.
Meanwhile, another 'Running Man' member, known as the 'Nation's MC' was publicly embarrassed recently. Actor Kim Jae-won, as Allkpop noted, made an appearance on 'Happy Together' and told Yoo Jae-suk, "Your life will be better if you stop watching naughty videos." This is an advice that Yoo Jae-suk will forever remember because his 'naughty' secret is now public.
The next episode of 'Running Man' airs on October 22, at 4.50 p.m. KST.
