Running Man (Korean: ๋ฐ๋๋งจ) is a South Korean variety show; a part of SBS's Good Sunday lineup, along with Roommate. It was first aired on July 11, 2010. This show was classified as an "urban action variety"; a never-before-seen new genre of variety shows focused in an urban environment. The MCs and guests complete missions in a landmark to win the race. The show has since shifted to a more familiar reality-variety show concept focused on games. It has garnered attention as being the come-back program for Yoo Jae-suk, the main MC of the program, after leaving Good Sunday's Family Outing in February 2010.
Current Cast
Yoo Jae-suk
The main host of the show and known during the race missions for his escaping abilities. He is shown to have a closer relationship with a lot of the guests on the show, which he often boasts about to the other members. He is also often referenced to the color green throughout the show and is also known for his nickname "Grasshopper" from his first television appearances. Although initially a weak player during the race missions, he later becomes one of the strongest players in the series, and is, along with Kim Jong-kook, considered to be one of the two main powers in the race missions.
Gary
Introduced alongside Lee Kwang-soo and Song Joong-ki as one of the "variety rookies" due to his lack of experience on variety shows prior to Running Man. He is shown as the most gullible but honest member. Throughout the series, he has been involved in the official loveline of the show alongside Song Ji-hyo. Although shown to be quite clueless at times, he is known as "The man full of surprises" and the "dark horse" of Running Man during race missions, highlighted when the show held the Best of the Best Match with him winning on two occasions.
Haha
The primary joker of the cast and is usually picked on by other members because of his height and his similar appearance to Pororo the Little Penguin. He also has a tendency to feel as though he is the main lead in a movie created by his imagination. When things don't go his way, he lashes out verbally, causing great laughter among the cast. He is also the playboy of the cast, as he always confesses his love to female guests. However, this ended when he became engaged to singer Byul, changing to a "married man" and becoming rough to female guests. He was initially a weak player during the race missions, occasionally being picked on even while on the chasing team, however he has improved over the course of the show.
Ji Suk-jin
The oldest member of the show and one of Yoo Jae-suk's closest friends, knowing each other for more than 20 years. He is shown to be jealous of the good relationship between Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Jong-kook. During the race missions, he is shown to be one of the weakest members and is the easiest and most frequently eliminated out of the cast, so easily that the other members would declare that the race has officially started after his elimination.
Kim Jong-kook
The strongest man on the show, Kim Jong-kook is known for his strength and skill during the race missions. During the missions, he is known for his sudden appearances that are often accompanied by the soundbite "Sparta!" taken from the movie, 300. His smart tactics are often successful to eliminate the other members and as a result, he is known for having both brains and brawn. He is also shown at times to act cute and show off his aegyo. His only apparent weakness is women and he is often teased for having a particular fondness towards Yoon Eun-hye.
Lee Kwang-soo
The youngest and tallest member of the cast and initially introduced alongside Gary and Song Joong-ki as one of the "variety rookies" due to his lack of experience on variety shows prior to Running Man. During the earlier episodes he was known for framing his fellow members with embarrassing and often absurd rumours. He is often picked on by the rest of the cast, particularly Kim Jong-kook, due to his timid nature. He is one of the weakest players, often the first to be eliminated during race missions. However, he has grown to easily betray his fellow members without concern.His Theme song is "Saint Agnes and the Burning train by Sting"
Song Ji-hyo
The only current female member of the show and initially only appeared as a guest but was added to the main cast in episode 6. During the earlier episodes, Song Ji-hyo was often known to swear during broadcasts especially towards Haha and Lee Kwang-soo. She is also known to be often seen with confused or blank facial expressions a lot of the time. Throughout the series, she has been involved in the official loveline of the show alongside Gary. She is one of the strongest players during race missions with similar running and catching capabilities as well as comparable intelligence to Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Jong-kook.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org