[PHILIPPINES] Running Man Cast Reunites With Filipino Runners in Fun-Filled ‘Run 2 U’ Manila Fan Meeting

Laughter and cheers filled the SM Mall of Asia Arena last July 6 as the six-part squad of Korea’s longest-running variety show Running Man reunited with their Filipino Runners for the group’s second ever fan-meeting-slash-concert in the Philippines dubbed RUN2U in Manila.

Running Man stars Yoo Jae Suk, Jee Seok Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Haha, Song Ji Hyo and Yang Se Chan thrilled their fans with a spectacular evening of fun-filled games, delightful solo stages, and surprise unit stages – making sure it would be a reunion the fans would never forget.

It was only last year when all six Running Man members (plus former member Jeon So Min) held their first ever fan meeting in the Philippines. As it is uncommon for a Korean variety show cast to hold fan meetings, the announcement of RUN2U in Manila came as a pleasant surprise to many Filipino Runners.

“It has been more than a year since we first came to Manila. I am happy to see this venue brimming with our fans. Thank you everyone, I missed you all a lot,” Jae Suk told the crowd in Korean following the sextet’s heartwarming performance of BTS’ Spring Day – a sweet, extra treat for the ARMY-Runners in the audience.

When asked by host Ryan Bang what collaboration stage he looks forward to, Seok Jin said he’s very excited about the duet performance of Ji Hyo and Jong Kook, to which the crowd – undeniably full of SpartAce fans – responded with ecstatic screams.

And naturally, no visit to the Philippines would be complete without sampling some Filipino dishes and treats! The Running Man members eagerly recalled how much they enjoyed some misua (noodle dish) and pork sisig, and how excited they were to treat themselves to some Philippine beer after the fan meeting.

To wrap up the first part of the show, Jaesuk, known as the nation’s emcee, reminded the crowd to enjoy the night as much as they can: “The audience, our fans, don’t have to prepare anything – we just want you to enjoy this night. We prepared a lot of things that we want to show to you, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!”

Running Man Means Games Unlimited!

What is a Running Man fan meeting without games?

The six members unleashed their competitive spirits – a trait Runners know all too well – diving enthusiastically into numerous games among themselves and with the fans that night.

The first segment featured a lineup of games, including “What Comes Next?” where they guessed lines from show clips, and two K-Pop challenges: identifying three K-pop songs played simultaneously and guessing K-Pop song titles from poorly executed choreography.

However, it quickly became evident that the fans were just as competitive! They eagerly provided clues and straight-up answers to help the members win the games.

The second game segment had the members running around in colorful costumes while interacting with lucky fans! First up was a relay between Team Haha (Jae Suk, Jong Kook, and Haha) and Team Se Chan (Seok Jin, Ji Hyo, and Se Chan), where each member had to complete missions with fans to win the race.

Team Haha emerged victorious, which meant Team Se Chan had to carry out the penalty of doing a dance challenge in their costumes! 

The highlight of the second game segment came when the six winners of the fan cosplay competition went on stage and were each paired with a Running Man member they were cosplaying as. Fond cooing emanated from the crowd as each of the members pulled out and gave personalized gifts to their respective partners.

The segment concluded with a telepathy game among the six pairs, ultimately won by Jae Suk and his partner. The fan came home that night with Yoo Jae Suk’s famous Running Man blue bag and a group photo with all six members. How lucky!

Solo Stages and Collab Stages

Easily the highlight of the fan meeting are the solo and special unit stages prepared by the Running Man members for their Filipino Runners.

Ji Hyo successfully triggered the fans’ cuteness aggression as she performed her rendition of BIBI’s Bam Yang Gang, followed by Seok Jin’s moving performance of John Legend’s All Of Me.

Se Chan stirred things up a little as he appeared on stage in his Freddie Mercury costume – complete with a mustache and a piano – to show an electrifying, lip sync performance of Queen’s hit song Bohemian Rhapsody. To keep the hype up, Haha took the stage next with duo SRG (Sulreggae) for a jump-worthy performance of Ice Bottle (originally featuring U-Kwon).

The atmosphere turned mellow the moment Jong Kook – known for his sweet ballad voice – entered the stage, although screams were in order as soon as the fans realized what Jong Kook was about to sing: none other than his famous song One Man (Han Namja). Jong Kook followed this with a performance of his 2024 single Spring Has Come.

Ending the solo stages with a bang and bringing further delight to the fans is the appearance of Korean superstar Yoo San Seul (Yoo Jaesuk’s trot singer alter ego), who delivered a flashy performance of the song Redevelopment of Love in his sparkly suit and signature sunglasses and fedora hat.

And then came the much awaited unit stages: the SpartAce couple Jong Kook and Ji Hyo teasing their fans with an endearing performance of Jung Hyo Bin and Joosiq’s Need Conversation (대화가 필요해); Ji Hyo, Seok Jin and Se Chan bringing the summer vibes on stage with SSAK3’s Beach Again; Haha and Se Chan turning on their swag for DANG DIGGI BANG; and Freestyle’s Y (Please Tell Me Why) sang by a cute Ji Hyo and the duo of Haha and Jae Suk in a what appeared to be a horse costume. They were even accompanied by Se Chan who was back in his Freddie Mercury getup!

The six Running Man members went back on stage together for a touching performance of their own song I Like It, which was immediately followed by a sing-and-dance performance of what they referred to as a “new song”! That’s something to look forward to, Runners!

To wrap the fan meeting up, the six members took turns to thank their Filipino fans for the undying support they have always given the show. “It’s our 14th year, and we always feel very overwhelmed with all your love towards us. And every week, as we put on our show, we always have this big, big heart to give you the joy, to pay you back your love and all the joy that we can,” Haha told the audience.

Jae Suk added, “We can only look forward to the 15th year because of you. Thank you because you brought us where we are right now.”

Obviously sharing the same sentiments as their fans, Se Chan finished off with a comment that is much looked forward by Filipino Runners, “We wish that we will be given another opportunity to come back [to the Philippines].” Please come back anytime, Se Chan!

The eventful night concluded with encore stages filled with last-minute interactions between the sextet and Filipino Runners.

Thank you, Running Man, for running back to Manila for a second fan meeting. We will surely wait for the third one!

The Seoul Story would also like to thank PULP Live World for the media invite!

Written by: Erin
Photos by: YL

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