S1·E124 The Man Who Became A King

Episode recap

Running Man season 1, episode 124, titled “The Man Who Became A King,” aired as a two‑part special that centered on a kimchi‑making competition. The episode was filmed on location at Jeonju University in Wansan‑gu, Jeollabuk‑do, a setting that provided a backdrop for the culinary challenge. Regular cast members were joined by two guest stars, actor Go Soo and actress Han Hyo‑joo, whose presence contributed to the episode’s dynamic.

The central premise of the special involved the cast and guests competing to create kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, in a format that emphasized humor and teamwork. According to the episode synopsis, the interactions among the participants generated a “comedy gold” atmosphere, with particular emphasis on the rapport between Han Hyo‑joo and the regular member Haha. Their exchanges, described as especially entertaining, highlighted the show’s characteristic blend of playful rivalry and spontaneous banter.

Throughout the two‑part segment, the members and guests engaged in the kimchi‑making process, which served as the catalyst for a series of comedic moments. The competition structure allowed the participants to showcase their personalities while navigating the traditional preparation steps. The presence of Go Soo added an additional layer of interaction, though the synopsis singles out the dynamic between Han Hyo‑joo and Haha as a focal point of the episode’s humor.

The episode’s format, combining a culturally resonant activity with the established variety‑show style of Running Man, reinforced the program’s reputation for delivering light‑hearted entertainment through collaborative challenges. By situating the competition at Jeonju University, the production linked the event to a locale known for its culinary heritage, thereby enhancing the thematic relevance of the kimchi‑making contest. The special concluded after the two parts, having provided viewers with a series of comedic highlights rooted in the collaborative effort of cast and guests.