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Running Man: Episode 54

We’re in for a whole new ride with today’s theme: Protect the Boss – Last Team Standing. It’s an episode of adventure for some, horror for others, and still yet, some cast members are near non-existent in this episode. Who do you think the bosses are? Guess wisely though, because things are not always as they appear…

EPISODE 59. Broadcast on July 31, 2011

When our cast arrives, they’re immediately paired off as they await their mission. Jae-suk waits for his team partner – could it be Choi Min-soo? After all, he did ask to be scheduled for Running Man again to get revenge on Jae-suk. But no, it’s Kwang-soo, who runs to meet him like the Kwangvatar he is. It looks like the new name suits him, given his tall stature and long legs, much like an Avatar straight out of James Cameron’s blockbuster.

We catch up with the Monday Couple applying suntan lotion on each other. Rawr. Gary soaks in the attention but instead of a loving couple, they look more like Mom and Son. Ji-hyo wonders if there’s an attractive male guest today which sparks Gary’s jealousy. She hastily recovers with, “Kang Gary is the most handsome (man) on Mondays.”

Each team is told that the guest will be coming to them – so who are they? Say hello to today’s guests: actress Choi Kang-hee (Protect the Boss, Petty Romance) and actor Ji Sung (Protect the Boss, Royal Family). Their given mission is to pick up a team from three different locations. Best part? If they don’t like who they’re with, they can choose a different team. Hehe.

And they’re off! Ji Sung is freaking hilarious as he pulls up to one team, “This is amazing! People I see on TV!” Those mega TV stars? Why, Jae-suk and Kwang-soo, of course! The Monday Couple loudly voice their disappointment to see Suk-jin, and Kang-hee drives up to see Jong-kook and Haha.

Let’s hear the mission already! Mission Protect the Boss: Collect all the bosses’ nametags to win. If you incorrectly tear off someone’s nametag, you’re out. You obtain clues about other teams’ bosses thorugh mini missions. At the final destination, pick pick up a ringing phone. If you fail to pick it up in time, your team’s position will be compromised.

Mr. PD informs them that the boss is the one riding in the backseat. That makes Kwang-soo for the Black Team, Kang-hee for the Pink Team, and Gary for the Blue Team. Kwang-soo can’t believe his luck – it’s his first time as a hero!

No worries for the Black Team – they’re relying on Ji Sung’s jisung (intellect) to win them the mission. So punny! Ji Sung asks the others what their IQ is. Jae-suk “It’s over a 100…” Kwang-soo: “I didn’t get tested…” However, they should be concerned about Ji Sung’s fatal flaw: his variety rookie status. It leaves Ji Sung so flustered that he accidentally tugs on the emergency brake and drives over speedbumps.

To quickly remedy that weakness, Ji Sung gets a crash course on variety in the car. They’re forced to keep to the law here, unlike in k-dramaland, (Aww, no dramatic illegal u-turns?!) and Kwang-soo adds that even James Bond would have to stop at a red light.

At Yeoido park, Ji Sung asks why they’re walking versus running (it IS Running Man). Jae-suk replies that they tire themselves out when they run – thus, they walk. They receive their mini-mission and Ji Sung gets a painful taste of variety with sizzling bicycles seats. Must. Restrain. Twelve. Year. Old. Self.

It’s a tongue twister mini mission for the Pink Team. It takes a few tries (and a hilarious penalty) and they head to their next location to spy on the Black Team who failed to name the correct color order of the ahjummas working out at the park. Jong-kook reveals himself from behind the bushes and the teams face off, hesitant to attack first.

Jong-kook deduces that Kwang-soo is their boss, deadest in his choice. Kwang-soo panics and slips up by revealing his team’s clues. Kwang-soo: “Hyung, do you think I’m such an idiot?” Jong-kook: “You are one.”

The Pink Team are quick to notice that something’s definitely up with the colorful ahjummas and succeeds on the first try. They pick their clue to reveal…”Kkwang (Zero)” and Kang-hee chirps, “Kkwang…for Kwang-soo.” LOL. But, alas, no clue.

Meanwhile, the Blue Team complete their mini missions, obtaining more clues about their opposing teams. They receive a clue about the Black Team boss, “Ugly,” and the team debate between Kwang-soo and Jae-suk. As if it was a contest.

The Black Team follow the maknae FD inside a restaurant but this time they keep an eye out for the order the dishes are placed, just like last week … until the maknae FD sets down two dishes at once. HA. Mr. PD encourages them to sit down and enjoy so they begin grilling. As they happily fill their stomachs, they’re completely unaware how simple the mission is: grill some meat and wait.

It’s not long after that the Pink Team follows them to the same place. In the midst of empty threats to eliminate each other, a confused Jae-suk slips, “Kwang-soo’s never been the hero before!” Oops. But, the Black Team succeeds and their next clue directly points to Kang-hee.

Either the Pink Team has a stroke of good luck or the Capable One is really on a roll. They easily pass this food mini mission in one round and everyone heads to the final destination.

 

The phone call timer is ticking down from a few short minutes and each team must pick up their phone call on different floors. All the teams manage to track down the phones and receive their final mission: collect all the bosses’ nametags and find “Lavender.” Kang-hee takes some time to learn some moves on how to take down Yooruce Willis. If all else fails, just poke him in the side. Oh boy, was it always this easy to take down Jae-suk?

The Black Team head up to the 60th floor in a clear elevator and Jae-suk imagines how terrifying it would be to see Spartakooks on the supporting beams outside the elevator. Or worse, climbing the walls like Spiderman.

They take a few precious moments to snack and strategize in the stairwell, and soon enough, they’re chatting about who’s scarier: Jong-kook or Choi Min-soo. Jae-suk says that Jong-kook is a little pipsqueak compared to Min-soo and Kwang-soo adds that he hopes Jong-kook gets old soon, so he’d be easier to physically. Incriminating Kwang-soo is back!

Kwang-soo interjects that he’d like to be known as easygoing too, and apart from his image, he’s really a coldhearted city man. Uh-huh, okay. Back to puppy status please!

Thanks to Kwang-soo’s enormous height, he sticks out like a sore thumb in a crowd. Ji-hyo easily spots him from afar and follows him at a distance. The two teams find themselves separated by a door, and when it opens…there’s pushing, shoving, and yelling on both sides.

Jae-suk calls for a temporary truce, asking for physical evidence of their clues. Suk-jin gladly complies, showing them the “Ugly” clue. They’re pretty sure it’s Kwang-soo – after all, 97% of citizens agree with them. The Blue and Black Team decide to create an alliance and Jae-suk warns Ji-hyo not to betray them again. Even though she protests, Ji Sung adds, “Ji-hyo I’ve seen you on TV before…” Meaning he’s seen the awesome in action.

Woah, talk about being at the right place at the right time! Spy Haroro was able to eavesdrop in on the entire conversation – confirming Kwang-soo as a boss as well as the alliance. They wait for the Black Team, and Jong-kook sweeps behind them to try and eliminate Kwang-soo but fails.

The Blue Team wait for an opportune moment to take out Kang-hee, Suk-jin reaches…and she twirls around in the nick of time, collapsing to the floor.

It’s an absolute mess as everyone is trying to size each other up. Ace Ji-hyo takes a risk to eliminate Haha, but she herself gets eliminated for making the wrong choice. Boo.

The only person too scared to put on a faux grand persona is Kwang-soo, frozen in the face of elimination. He says to the VJ, “This is too scary (being the hero!) Don’t make me do it next time!” He even tries to puff up in front of Haha before running away…

…to attempt to hide under that. LOL. Hm… tall Kwang-soo + small bin = fail. That’s simple math, yea?

At a different location, Suk-jin is spotted by Jong-kook and Haha, who force his own elimination by tearing off Haha’s name tag by his own hand. HAHAHA. So there was this tactic too – smart Running Men! Now only Gary remains… Jong-kook slinks through the crowd and he rips Gary’s name tag off with Ji Sung one step behind him.

Jae-suk almost catches Kang-hee, and he calls Kwang-soo to grab the opportunity to take her out if they cross paths. Just like fate, Kwang-soo and Kang-hee run into each other in the stairwell. Oh yeah, Boss against Boss! Kwang-soo gives her the chance to call for help, but Kang-hee cleverly chirps away their location instead.

And I love it how aggressive Kang-hee is and Kwang-soo pleads for his life as the Pink Team gain on him: “I’M the hero today! I’m the hero!” Jae-suk hears the commotion from downstairs and runs up the stairs to save his boss…but it’s no use – he’s too late and the Pink Team rips off Kwang-soo’s name tag. With that, it ultimately makes the Pink Team the winners!

Those Running Man gold rings are pretty awesome – where can I get one?

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Thanks for the recap! :)

I usually find Kwangsoo really really funny on RM, but for some reason in this ep he was just @#$%^#$ ARGH. lol couldn't help but clench my fist at the stairwell commotion

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Funny!!! thanks.

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waaa thanx! love running man. jae suk shii is d best mc

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LOLOLOL thanks a bunch for recapping running man!

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I wish kwang soo would buck up....it's so sad he never does...LOL

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Lol Kwangsoo... He's as cute as a puppy that's whining for it's next meal. (ie. Pityfully cute)

Seriously, Running Man is fun if you have a finger on the ff-button; there were some moments in this episode where the tension was TOO much haha :D

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Omg! I really want to watch this episode but episode 53 didn't come out yet..that means another few days OR WEEKSSS till I get to see this one! I love Running Man. Hopefully the episodes gets put on DVD so I can buy it! ;)

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i'd love to have someone recapping running man early episodes where song joong ki is in the show..

only my wish.

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(ahem) My wish, too!!!

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and mine~!

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you can watch them eng subbed at http://www.ktopia.net

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You can watch any JongKi episodes at http://isubs-squad.com/download/

They sub Running Man since EP1. Enjoy watching!

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thank you both of you..

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Just a wish? I'm open to the possibility of writing the earlier recaps. How many people are willing to read them? :)

What's your favorite episode?

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It would be AWESOME if you could recap earlier episodes! No particular favourite :)

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an nyong! please do Running Man recaps from Episode 1! :)

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Earlier episodes are great! My faorite is Bo Young's Episode Thanks gummimochi. :)

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oh please recap the earlier ones, pretty please? with mega-huge cherries on top?? xD
I'm a huge fan of the song song couple so episode 15 and 18 would be my request :)

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Finally~~!
I've been waiting for the whole week for your recap~~
Now to read it :D

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Anyone who watches this show knows that to win always pair up with the SparticusKook or to get screen time is to pair up with JaeSuk. The writers need to find a way to make the show not so predictable and not so easy for KJK to win all the time.
what i wanted to know was what was jihyo's reaction at JiSung. She seemed to do a little fangirl reaction.

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But aside from today, for the last couple of episodes Spartakook has been on a game slump (and it's not the first time he's been in a slump). He's been losing a lot. Even Ace Jihyo hasn't been doing so well. Part of it has to do with having a powerful guest (like Choi Min-soo). I always think the Commander or Ace Jihyo would win, only to realize that they lose as often as the other members. Heck, even Jaesuk had a winning streak for a while before he started slumping. Jaesuk normally wins if it has to do with running (like back in the old Hide-and-Seek days).

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True. It's a good show.

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Ooooooooooooh yeah. I'm glad the Commander won. It's been too long. I want him to instill fear into the others. HAHAHA. And I love how the guests know our loving cast so well, especially when Jisung points it out to Jihyo. Running Man Hwaiting~

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lol NOOO~! It's always a little bit more fun when KJK looses because, not only does it surprise the viewers, watching his facial expressions are hilarious! XD

I'll dance the day Kwangsoo wins them all :P Or, perhaps, if Haha's sneaky spy actions pay off

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How funny was it to see the Running Men still traumatized over Choi's appearance last episode?!
He's one scary dude and he's playing true-to-type over at WBDS.

These were two really good guests - fun to watch, especially Ji Sung behind the wheel! He was so totally thrilled to be on the show.

Thanks for the recap!

:)

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hey for those people who whine about every episode saying "it's repetitive" or "boring now" here's a suggestion

DON'T WATCH

Honestly you people are mindless drones and sounds repetitive yourselves. If you don't like what the program has to offer, skip to another show. Nobody's forcing you to watch it.

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Mindless for stating an opinion. Would you be offended if I gave you a suggestion?

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they gave their opinion for the sake this variety show.....
you've never complaint about something?

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PLEEEASE cover Protect the Boss. I love Ji Sung and Choi Kang Hee.

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I just can't help to think how stupid Kwang-soo is at the very end when he's alone with Kang-hee! LOL

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thank you very much for the recaps!!! i love them!! <3
Running Man <3!

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SPARTAKOOKS FTW

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Thank u so much... I LOVE Running Man!!!

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quite tired of kwang soo's whining and whining and whining.

really cant stand him at the staircase scene.

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Thanks so much for the recap! Appreciate it. Your recap help me to understand better even watching it without the subs... I love Running Man!

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it would have been EXTRA sweet if Jaejoong were included in the mix! Darn...

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I love Running Man and thanks to Dramabeans and gummimochi!!!!!! :D

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Yay more monday couple moments! But i agree the cast members have lower screentime because of the guests...

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Nice.

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@scrubtop Thanks so much for the recommendation http://www.ktopia.net This is the best website for English Subbed Korean Variety Shows!!! ^^

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OMG I SERIOUSLY LOVE KIM JONG KOOK but I want him to lose so badly ugggggg. but gwang soo omg he's hilarious. definitely my favorite!!

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Actually Spartakookie has been losing quite a bit recently, especially if the guests are female LOL! I think it's just his image in the show that leads us to believe he's like the all-winning Commander haha. I'm glad he won today though <3

I don't think RM is boring or repetitive, I mean, it's hard to come up with totally different games for every single episode! And even if it's the same concept, the way it's carried out is different :) I miss the older episodes of RM where I would go hysterical with laughter, but I'm still a big fan of the show now :D

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Jong Kook, will it be too much for you to just play fair? I really can't take it, Haha and you ganging up on Suk Jin! Hahahaha, I really feel bad about this episode, my Monday Couple and Suk Jin got less screen time than usual. :'(

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A tactic well used by Haha and Jong Kook. Suk Jin is eliminated by their strategy. Anyway, all of them uses their own way to acheive their goal.
Jae Suk - cunning old fox
Haha - scheming spy
Ji Hyo - clever cat who can spin sudden attack
Jong Kook - Brainy tiger
Gary - unpredictable underdog
Suk Jin - Tricky old fox
Kwangsoo - Master of traitor

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