S1·E1 Times Square

Episode recap

The premiere episode of the Korean variety program Running Man opens with the cast arriving at the T‑shopping mall in Seoul after the building has closed for the day. The setting is presented as a large, empty commercial space that becomes the arena for the show’s first challenge. The participants are divided into two opposing teams, a format that the series will use repeatedly to generate competition and teamwork among the members.

The central objective of the episode is to obtain a passcode that will allow the winning team to escape the mall. To achieve this, each team must locate hidden clues scattered throughout the interior of the mall. The synopsis notes that the contestants engage in “running around to find clues,” indicating a fast‑paced, physically active search that makes use of the mall’s corridors, stores and open areas. In addition to the clue‑hunting, the teams are described as “ripping each other’s name tag,” a reference to a common variety‑show mechanic in which participants remove identifying tags from opponents as a means of scoring or eliminating them. This element adds a layer of direct confrontation to the otherwise exploratory task.

Throughout the episode, the unpredictable nature of the competition is emphasized. The description states that “no one can predict what will happen to them,” suggesting that the challenges are designed to produce unexpected twists, surprise outcomes, and moments of humor, consistent with the show’s classification as a comedy‑reality hybrid. The episode’s structure follows a typical variety‑show progression: introduction of the setting, division into teams, a series of physical and mental tasks, and a final resolution in which one team secures the passcode and is declared the victor.

The episode concludes with the determination of which team emerges victorious, though the specific winning side is not identified in the provided synopsis. This inaugural installment establishes the core premise of Running Man—team‑based competition within a confined, themed environment—setting the tone for the series’ subsequent episodes.