S1·E48 Find the Lost Uigwe

Episode recap

The forty‑eighth episode of the first season of Running Man is set at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. In keeping with the program’s format, the cast members are placed in a themed competition that draws on the museum’s historical collections. For this installment the participants assume the role of scholars, a premise that frames the challenges as an academic quest rather than a purely physical race.

The central objective of the episode is the recovery of a lost Uigwe, a royal document that historically recorded the details of royal ceremonies. The Uigwe serves as the narrative anchor for the competition, giving the scholars a concrete target to locate among the museum’s exhibits. Throughout the broadcast the cast moves through the museum’s galleries, engaging in tasks that test their knowledge of Korean history and their ability to navigate the exhibition spaces. The structure of the show remains consistent with its broader premise: teams compete in a series of games and missions, each designed to bring them closer to the hidden document while also providing comedic and entertaining moments.

As the episode progresses, the scholars must interpret clues, examine artifacts, and cooperate—or contend—with one another in order to narrow down the whereabouts of the missing Uigwe. The museum setting allows the producers to incorporate educational elements, showcasing the cultural significance of the royal records while maintaining the light‑hearted, competitive spirit that defines the series. The race culminates when the participants either identify the location of the document or complete the final challenge that signals the end of the mission.

By situating the competition within a national cultural institution, the episode blends entertainment with a brief exposure to Korean heritage. The historical theme, the scholarly roles, and the pursuit of the lost Uigwe together create a distinctive variation on the show’s usual format, highlighting the versatility of the Running Man concept while offering viewers a glimpse of the National Museum of Korea’s collections.