S1·E27 Phantom of the Opera

Episode recap

Running Man Season 1, Episode 27, titled “Phantom of the Opera,” was filmed at the Seoul Arts Center in Seoul. The episode’s location is noted in the official TMDB synopsis, which identifies the landmark as the primary setting for the broadcast. The program featured two guest participants, Max Changmin and U‑Know Yunho, both of whom are members of the South Korean pop duo TVXQ. Their appearance is listed in the same synopsis, confirming their involvement alongside the regular cast.

Running Man is a Korean variety program that debuted in 2010 and is classified as a comedy‑reality series with a TV‑14 rating. According to the series description on MyDramaList, each installment follows a consistent format in which the fixed members of the show engage in a series of games and missions designed to test physical ability, teamwork, and strategic thinking. The objective of these challenges is to secure a win for the participants, a premise that underpins the entire series.

In “Phantom of the Opera,” the regular cast members entered the Seoul Arts Center to undertake the episode’s challenges. While the specific nature of the games is not detailed in the supplied sources, the episode’s title suggests a thematic link to the well‑known operatic work, and the setting at a major cultural venue aligns with the series’ practice of tailoring each episode’s location to its theme. The presence of Changmin and Yunho added a musical celebrity dimension to the competition, as both are recognized for their work with TVXQ.

The episode continued the show’s blend of competitive sport and comedic interaction, maintaining the series’ reputation for delivering entertaining variety content. As part of the first season, this installment contributed to the early development of Running Man’s format, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on guest participation, location‑specific challenges, and the dynamic between the regular cast and invited stars. The episode’s broadcast added to the series’ growing catalogue of episodes that combine physical contests with light‑hearted humor, consistent with the show’s established style.