S1·E502 Tiger's Birthday Party

Episode recap

Running Man Season 1, Episode 502, titled “Tiger’s Birthday Party,” centers on a birthday celebration for regular cast member Jong Kook. Consistent with the program’s format of competitive games and missions, the episode frames the day’s activities as a series of secret missions that unfold throughout the race‑style segment. The special occasion draws two guest participants: Mingyu, a member of the K‑pop group SEVENTEEN, and Jun Hyo Seong, who is known both as a singer and an actress. Their involvement is presented as an effort to “outsmart the birthday tiger,” indicating that the guests join the regular cast in attempting to navigate the concealed challenges tied to Jong Kook’s birthday theme.

Throughout the broadcast, the hidden tasks are interwoven with the standard Running Man structure, wherein members and guests compete to complete objectives while avoiding penalties. The synopsis notes that the culmination of the episode features Jong Kook receiving an opportunity to spin a roulette wheel. This wheel offers a chance to win birthday presents, a reward that is contingent upon the selection of a “lucky member” whose name is drawn. The drawing of the name and the subsequent spin serve as the final segment of the episode, providing a celebratory resolution that aligns with the birthday motif.

The episode therefore blends the show’s typical competitive elements with a personalized celebration, using secret missions and guest participation to create a festive atmosphere. The inclusion of a roulette wheel and a name draw introduces an element of chance, allowing Jong Kook the possibility of receiving gifts while also highlighting the involvement of his fellow cast members. As a part of Running Man—a Korean variety program known for its series of games and missions designed to win prizes and avoid penalties—this episode exemplifies the series’ blend of humor, competition, and occasional special‑event themes.