Song Ji-hyo, a founding member of “Running Man” since its inception in 2010, has long been revered as the show’s “Ace” and a key mainstay.
Despite her background as an actress rather than a professional comedian, Song Ji-hyo fearlessly engaged in the show’s games, unafraid of jeopardizing her image. Early on, she amazed viewers with her “Monday couple” romance with Gary and her endearing chemistry with Lee Kwang-soo, often regarded as “real brother and sister” banter.
However, around 2017, as the show transitioned to more talk-centric segments and fewer intense games, Song Ji-hyo’s conversational skills became a focal point. Her performance was overshadowed by the emergence of Jeon So-min, who brought a unique and unrivaled sense of variety to the show. This shift led to Song Ji-hyo being labeled a “wasteful member,” culminating in criticism after a June 2023 episode where she was observed to contribute little.
During this period, Song Ji-hyo faced internal conflicts with her agency, compounding the challenges she encountered. Comparisons to Ji Seok-jin, her agency-mate who exhibited consistent performance, further fueled scrutiny. While some fans remained supportive, others called for her departure due to perceived fan dissatisfaction.
Nevertheless, Song Ji-hyo responded swiftly to feedback. In a September episode of “Pingyego,” Yoo Jae-seok acknowledged her resilience, prompting Song Ji-Hyo to admit that critical articles catalyzed her improvement.
Her resurgence as the “Ace” coincided with Jeon So-min’s departure from the show. Notably, in a January episode centered on Ji Seok-jin’s health, Song Ji-hyo shone by preparing samgyetang (Korean chicken ginseng soup) for him, resulting in a “Song Ji-hyo Special” episode.
In a recent Futsal Cup episode, Song Ji-hyo excelled as the goalkeeper, single-handedly safeguarding her team’s success with five goals—a notable return to form following a hiatus from physical challenges. Her standout performance contrasted with fellow female guest Oh Ha-young’s subdued contribution.
It appears that Song Ji-hyo’s renewed determination stems from her dissatisfaction with past setbacks on “Running Man.” Fans eagerly anticipate her continued evolution and contributions to the show’s dynamics moving forward.
