Running Man Ep 129: 2013 Winter Olympics & Idol Special Edition Review

I have always wanted to watch the famous variety show Running Man, but it wasn't until I saw the outstanding list of idols that I finally tuned in to the show.  For those who are unaware of the show, Running Man is an SBS variety show that stars the Running Man Team that must compete in challenges to beat the opposing team.  Episodes have different missions, locations and guest stars, making each episode unique and all the more entertaining to watch.

One of the most recent episodes, which aired on January 20th as Running Man's 129th episode, is the 2013 Winter Olympics and Idol Special Edition.  It was quite a treat to have so many stars on the opposing Idol Team, which includes my biases Jung Yong Hwa and Lee Jong Hyun of CNBlue, Choi Min Ho of SHINee, Sulli of f(x), Kim Myungsoo of Infinite and others, such as Hwang Kwang Hee of ZE:A and Lee Joon of MBLAQ.  To my surprise, the Running Man Team also has a celebrity: Lee Kwang Soo, who starred in Nice Guy alongside Song Joong Ki (who is a former member of the Running Man cast).  With such a star-studded cast, they could be eating watermelon or peeling an orange for all I care, I'd watch this any day! Luckily this episode was much more entertaining than that though.

This episode is filled with enthusiasm, funny remarks and banter among both teams.  The "Opening Ceremony" hilariously introduced each member of the Idol Team, immediately illustrating Kwang Hee as a sort of buffoon and Yong Hwa as an ace, after all he is the guest who has starred in the most Running Man episodes.  Not only is the show humorous, it is also adorable in scenes showing friendly Min Ho and Sulli interactions, especially after they starred in 2012's drama To The Beautiful You. The music montage is also fun, offering the latest hits from the guest stars during very fitting scenes. While Myungsoo competed in a race, Infinite's "The Chaser" played.

While watching variety shows, I'm always surprised at how down-to-earth and human idols are outside of seeing them performing. I love how these types of shows exposes more realistic personalities not seen onstage.

Of course this show isn't fueled 100% by guest stars. The Running Man cast all offer different personalities and humorous antics, creating an all-around entertaining cast. The written commentary is also laugh out loud funny. I'm sucked in right away and can't get enough of Running Man!  In all, the show can't stop me from cracking up!

Here is a link to view this episode in full, with English subtitles: http://www.dramafever.com/drama/3970/40