S1·E487 The Rat Holds the Briefcase with Money

Episode recap

The episode opens with the regular cast of Running Man receiving New‑Year fortune readings, a segment that sets a tone of optimism for some members and caution for others. After the brief horoscopes, the competition begins with a single briefcase that contains a cash prize. The format of the game divides the participants into two groups: a hidden “snake” team and the openly identified Team Running Man. The members assigned to the snake role are not told who else shares their secret status, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and covert strategy.

The central challenge revolves around a six‑digit passcode that locks the briefcase. Throughout the episode the teams engage in a series of group missions, each designed to test cooperation, physical ability, and quick thinking. Success in these missions grants the winning side the opportunity to learn one digit of the passcode. As the digits are gradually revealed, tension builds because the ultimate goal is to open the briefcase and claim the money inside.

Team Running Man works collectively to complete the tasks, while the concealed snakes attempt to sabotage progress without exposing their identities. The episode’s structure follows the established pattern of the series, in which members compete in a succession of games and missions to win prizes and avoid elimination. When the final digit is obtained and the six‑digit code is entered, the briefcase unlocks, signaling the end of the race. At that moment the hidden snakes are revealed, and the remaining contestants confront the reality that everyone had been competing against the covert adversaries throughout the episode.

The conclusion ties back to the opening fortune readings, juxtaposing the predictions of the New Year with the outcomes of the competition. The briefcase’s cash prize is awarded, and the cast reflects on the experience of navigating both overt teamwork and secret opposition. The episode exemplifies the show’s blend of comedy, reality‑style challenges, and the unpredictable dynamics that arise when alliances are concealed.