S1·E500 Greedy Camp Race

Episode recap

Running Man marked its 500th broadcast with a special episode that retained the program’s core competitive format while adapting to the temporary absence of regular member So Min. The milestone prompted a celebratory atmosphere, yet the production team opted for a simplified race structure to accommodate the missing participant. Guest idols were invited to join the regular cast, expanding the lineup for the occasion. Lee Mi Joo, representing the girl group Lovelyz, Choi Yoo Jung from Weki Meki, and the Apink members Park Cho Rong and Yoon Bo Mi each entered the show and were paired with the remaining Running Man members. The paired teams competed in a race that centered on obtaining in‑season delicacies that are reputed to rejuvenate health, a premise that aligned with the series’ typical emphasis on physical challenges and reward‑driven missions.

Throughout the episode, the contestants navigated the simplified course, striving to secure the coveted food items while maintaining the energetic and humorous tone characteristic of the series. The presence of the guest idols added a fresh dynamic to the pairings, allowing for new interactions and collaborative strategies among the participants. As the race progressed, the production team received an unexpected communication: So Min, though absent from the field, sent a secret text message to the crew. The content of the message was not disclosed in the episode summary, but it was described as startling the members when it was revealed, indicating a surprise element that impacted the group’s dynamic despite her physical non‑participation.

The episode continued to showcase the fundamental structure of Running Man, a Korean variety program in which members compete in a series of games and missions to win prizes and avoid penalties, as noted in the series’ general description. By integrating guest performers, focusing on a health‑themed prize, and incorporating an unforeseen message from an absent regular, the 500th episode balanced commemoration with the familiar competitive spirit that defines the show. The combination of a milestone celebration, simplified race design, and the surprise text contributed to a memorable installment within the long‑running series.