The stars of South Korea’s beloved variety show ‘Running Man’ brought their infectious energy to Malaysian soil this past Saturday on 15 February, transforming the Mines International Exhibition Centre in Seri Kembangan, Selangor into a playground of laughter and entertainment.

The “Run 2 U Live in Kuala Lumpur” event drew approximately 5,000 eager fans who came to see their favourite cast members in action, marking a triumphant return to Malaysia after their last visit in 2017.

Yoo Jae-suk, Ha Dong-hoon, Jee Seok-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hyo and Yang Se-chan didn’t let any language barriers stand in their way. While Kim Jong-kook handled the English duties with his command of the language, it was Yang Se-chan who stole hearts with his charming attempts at speaking Malay. Starting with a warm “apa khabar” (how are you), he had fans giggling with phrases like “saya kacak kan” (aren’t I handsome), “rindu tak saya” (do you miss me), and even boldly suggested “jom kita kahwin” (let’s get married), earning delighted squeals from the audience.

The evening kicked off at 5 PM with BTS’s “Spring Day” setting the mood, but it was the cast’s personal performances that truly brought the house down. Kim Jong-kook, channeling his inner BLACKPINK’s Rosé, paired with Yoo Jae-suk’s Bruno Mars impression – a combination that delighted fans. The musical offerings showcased the cast’s diverse talents, ranging from Freddie Mercury’s classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Se-chan to heartfelt ballads like Seok-jin’s rendition of “All of Me.” Song Ji-hyo captivated the audience with BIBI’s “Bam ang Gang,” while Jong-kook and Ji-hyo’s duet of “We Need to Talk” left fans swooning.

The interactive games “Who is Potman” and “Cosplay Running Man” brought lucky fans up close and personal with their idols, complete with coveted selfie opportunities. The cast’s natural chemistry and professional showmanship shone through as they engaged with audience members, creating memorable moments that had everyone laughing and cheering throughout the evening. Each game segment demonstrated why “Running Man” has maintained its popularity as one of South Korea’s most beloved variety shows.

As the two-hour spectacle drew to a close with their iconic “Running Man” song “I Like It,” the warmth between the cast and their Malaysian fans was palpable. The event, organised by Sunstrong Entertainment, wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of the special bond between “Running Man” and their devoted followers.

It was reported that the hit South Korean variety show, “You Quiz on the Block” has successfully secured an invite to American singer Billie Eilish to appear on the programme.

On 5 June, an industry insider told Chosun that the “What Was I Made For?” singer will be appearing on the show, hosted by the country’s number one host Yoo Jae-suk and his protégé Jo Sae-ho, making it the second time an international star appearing on the show.

It is noted that the show previously invited “Dune: Part Two” stars Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.

Billie reportedly will be appearing on the show as part of her promotional tour for the recent album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft”. She last visited South Korea in 2022 for a one-day concert in Seoul.

Meanwhile, fans expressed excitement but also puzzlement over the singer’s variety show appearance, with many calling it a “random” decision.

(Photo Source: Yoo Jae-suk IG, Billie Eilish IG, Chosun)

Fans of Korea’s national MC Yoo Jae-Suk will be elated to know that his exciting new show is coming to Disney+ Hotstar.

This 8 September, sit back, relax and get a head start on your weekend with “THE ZONE: Survival Mission” – Yu Jae-Suk’s new variety show that will reunite him with his former “Running Man” cast mate, Lee Kwang-Soo, and also Girls’ Generation’s Kwon Yuri.

Spread across eight hilarious episodes, “THE ZONE: Survival Mission” establishes its three hosts as representatives of the human race before throwing them into eight unexpected situations where they will be challenged to survive for four hours and not give up, in order to complete each mission.

Pitting the hosts against zombies, a puddle of sticky glue, puzzles and other situations, viewers will find themselves laughing-out-loud as Jae-Suk, Kwang-Soo, and Yuri struggle to work together and find solutions to the implausible situations they are faced with.

Created by Studio Gaon, and directed by Cho Hyojin and Kim Dongjin, “THE ZONE: Survival Mission” is an all-new K-variety show format that requires the hosts to rely on each other with no external intervention or assistance.

Featuring three internationally beloved hosts and the original creators and crew of the widely popular “Running Man” series, “THE ZONE: Survival Mission” is not to be missed.

(Photo Source: Kmania, Zapzee)

South Korea’s national emcee Yoo Jae-Suk was recently tested positive for COVID-19.

As reported on Epoch Times, the news was announced by the TV personality’s agency Antenna, stating that Yoo received his result following a testing on 13 December.

“Yoo Jae-Suk has completed his second vaccination at the end of September. On 11 December, he was informed that he had been in close contact with a confirmed infected person and immediately performed the first PCR test. The result was negative and was classified as passive. After that, in accordance to the pandemic prevention policy, he carried out the second PCR test this morning (13th) and the result was positive.”

Antenna stated that the “Running Man” star has already cancelled all his itineraries and took necessary quarantine measures.

It is noted that the number of cases has been rapidly increasing among the artistes, with actors Jung Woo-Sung, Yoon Eun-Hye, Super Junior’s Choi Si-Won and BLACKPINK’s Lisa being tested positive among others.

(Photo Source: Yoo Jae-Suk Instagram, Lalisa Instagram)

After much speculations about his next step after leaving FNC Entertainment, it was finally confirmed that Yoo Jae-Suk is joining Yoo Hee-Yeol’s agency, Antenna.

As reported on Yonhap News, the news was confirmed by the agency on 14 July, stating that they have signed an exclusive contract with the said South Korea’s National MC.

“Yoo Jae-Suk has always challenged himself to new things and expanding his territory as a national MC and comedian. We will give our full support to him to continue taking on these challenges in a free and enjoyable atmosphere here in Antenna. We ask for your unchanging love and support for Yoo Jae-Suk in the future,” the company stated.

As for Yoo, the “Running Man” star expressed, “I’m happy and excited to be with close colleagues that I have known for a long time. Please look forward to the fun things we will do together.”

Yoo is the first artiste outside of the music industry to join the said agency, which also housed singers like Jung Seung-Hwan, Kwon Jin-Ah, and Jung Jae-Hyung.

Prior to Antenna, the TV personality was managed by FNC for six years.

(Photo Source: Yoo Jae-Suk Instagram)

Amid reports that Yoo Jae-Suk is leaving his management agency FNC Entertainment, it was reported that the TV personality could be in talks to join Antenna as part of Kakao Entertainment.

On 6 July, a media outlet reported that Yoo Jae-Suk’s exclusive contract with FNC Entertainment will expire on the 15th. It was later rumoured that Yoo is currently in negotiation to start a new working collaboration with Kakao Entertainment, which drew attention of many – due to the company’s speedy development as a Korean showbiz giant.

Regarding this, an official from Kakao Entertainment stated, “It is true that I met Yoo Jae-suk, but [an exclusive contract] is not confirmed.”

Following that, another source stated that the label that Yoo came in contact with was Antenna, which is spearheaded by composer Yoo Hee-Yeol and recently established a partnership with Kakao.

Regarding this, an Antenna official said, “It is true that we had a meeting with Yoo Jae-Suk, but an [exclusive contract] has not been finalised.”

On the other hand, FNC has recently released a statement admitting that the two parties will not be renewing their collaboration after six years.

(Photo Source: Yoo Jae-Suk Instagram, FNC Entertainment FB)