S1·E567 Team Selection Race, Young Ji versus Young Ji

Episode recap

The episode opens with the regular cast of Running Man joined by two guest participants who share the same Korean name: rapper Lee Young Ji and Hur Young Ji, a member of the girl group KARA. As is typical for the series, the guests are incorporated into the competitive format that defines the program, in which the cast members are divided into teams and must complete a series of games and missions in order to accumulate points. In this installment the two Young Jis each assume the role of team leader, creating a direct parallel that drives the central premise of the show.

The two teams, each headed by one of the Young Jis, are set against one another in a “team selection race.” The race is structured as a series of missions that require cooperation, speed, and strategic thinking, reflecting the series’ emphasis on physical and mental challenges. Throughout the episode the teams make their utmost efforts to win each mission, with the competitive spirit heightened by the presence of two leaders who share a name and, consequently, a symbolic rivalry.

A distinctive rule for this episode is the order in which points are awarded. Points earned from each mission are first allocated to the team leaders before being distributed among the remaining members. This procedural detail introduces tension within the groups, as the regular cast members begin to feel resentment toward their respective leaders. The episode therefore explores not only the external competition between the two Young Jis but also the internal dynamics that arise when the scoring system appears to favor the leaders at the expense of the teammates.

The narrative arc follows the progression of the race, the escalating efforts of both teams to secure victory, and the growing grudge among the members toward their leaders. While the episode maintains the light‑hearted, comedic tone characteristic of Running Man, it also highlights how variations in point distribution can affect group cohesion. By the conclusion, the audience is left with a clear picture of how the unique leadership arrangement and scoring rule shaped the competition, underscoring the show’s blend of physical challenges and interpersonal drama.