S1·E72 Hong Kong

Episode recap

Running Man Season 1, Episode 72 aired on December 11 2011 as part of the long‑running South Korean variety series that blends comedy with reality‑based game segments. The episode’s designated landmark was Hong Kong, a global metropolis noted for its dense skyline, bustling harbor and blend of Eastern and Western cultural sites. Filming in the city provided the program with an international backdrop that differs from the domestic locations used in many earlier installments.

The broadcast featured two special guests. Jung Yong‑hwa appeared in his capacity as a member of the rock band CN Blue, a South Korean group that had achieved considerable popularity on music charts and television variety programs by the time of the episode’s airing. Lee Min‑jung, a South Korean actress known for her work in television dramas and films, also joined the cast for this installment. Their participation was listed in the episode’s official synopsis, indicating that they took part in the show’s typical format of challenges, interactions and on‑screen banter alongside the regular Running Man members.

Running Man, described by its producers as a representative Korean variety program, routinely places its cast and guests in competitive missions that test physical stamina, teamwork and quick thinking. While the specific games or tasks performed in the Hong Kong episode are not detailed in the available synopsis, the series’ established structure suggests that the setting would have been incorporated into the challenges, allowing the cast and guests to engage with the city’s recognizable locales.

The episode’s placement within the first season contributes to the series’ early expansion beyond South Korean borders, marking one of the program’s initial forays into overseas filming. By pairing the regular cast with notable entertainment figures such as Jung Yong‑hwa and Lee Min‑jung, the episode continued the show’s pattern of blending celebrity guest appearances with its signature variety format, offering viewers a mix of humor, competition and cultural exposure framed by the vibrant atmosphere of Hong Kong.