S1·E522 America vs Asia, The Trade King

Episode recap

The episode opens with the regular cast of Running Man preparing for a new competition format titled the Trade King Race. The producers announce that the members will be split into three distinct groups: Team America, Team Asia, and Team Customs. The division creates a clear rivalry, as each side is tasked with generating the greatest amount of money through a series of challenges that test both physical skill and strategic thinking.

Joining the regular cast, two guest performers are assigned to Team America. Joon Park, known for his comedic timing, and Ailee, a singer with a strong stage presence, are introduced as the American side’s representatives. On the opposing continent, Team Asia receives two guests from the K‑pop group EVERGLOW: Kangnam and Yiren. Their inclusion adds a musical flair and fresh energy to the Asian squad. No guests are listed for Team Customs, which remains composed of the core Running Man members.

Throughout the episode, the three teams rotate through a sequence of tasks designed to simulate market transactions and bargaining scenarios. The structure of the Trade King Race emphasizes the accumulation of cash, with each successful negotiation or sale adding to the team’s total. The regular Running Man format, which routinely features games and missions that require teamwork, quick thinking, and physical endurance, provides the backdrop for these monetary challenges. As the competition progresses, the teams must balance cooperation within their own group against the pressure to outpace the other two factions.

The episode builds tension by periodically updating the teams’ earnings, allowing viewers to track which side is leading. The presence of the guest participants influences the dynamics, as their individual strengths contribute to the overall performance of their respective teams. By the conclusion of the broadcast, the final tallies are revealed, determining which team—America, Asia, or Customs—has amassed the most money and thus claims the title of Trade King for the week. The outcome remains the central question of the episode, leaving the audience eager to see which strategy and teamwork prevailed.