Running Man PD Reveals What He Loves Most About Each Member
Running Man‘s current PD Jung Cheol Min took charge of the show in April 2017, and in his short time as the head of the production team has increased the show’s ratings compared to where it was the year prior.
In a recent interview, he took the time to explain what he loves about each member of the show.
Starting with the two oldest and most veteran members of the cast, Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Jin, he pointed out the pair always make a note to talk with him about personal matters too, not just about Running Man.
“When meeting up with Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Suk Jin, they’ll talk about anything and everything from their lives to Running Man, for 6 hours.
It makes me feel like they care about me too, as a person, and not just the producer of Running Man.
When I spend time with Yoo Jae Suk, I can learn so many things. Because he’s been on variety shows for so long, his instincts are the best. I have many things to learn from him as a junior, not just a PD.”
— Jung Cheol Min
On “The Commander”, Kim Jong Kook, Jung Cheol Min called him a talented person and someone who gives him confidence.
“When I became the head of production in April, I met up with Kim Jong Kook. I was worried about a lot of things then. He told me the production team shouldn’t stress out about viewer ratings.
He said ‘the important thing is that we are doing this together. So do what you want to do. That’s the right thing.’ I was really thankful to him for that.”
— Jung Cheol Min
Jung Cheol Min relies on Running Man‘s “Ace” Song Ji Hyo as a strong source of support but is also worried about her health.
“When Song Ji Hyo sees our show’s viewer ratings increase, she comes and pats me on the back and says ‘[the ratings increased] because you always work so hard, I’ll work hard too.’
But she also seems fatigued. She felt a lot of burden because her image as the show’s ‘Ace’ is very big. We’ve talked about it and now she feels a lot less burdeneded about it. She jokes around a lot with Jeon So Min. I want the viewers to know that she works very hard on the show.”
— Jung Cheol Min
Moving on to “Asia’s Prince” Lee Kwang Soo, he thanked him for always giving 110% percent on the show, even though he puts his image on the line.
“I’m really thankful for Lee Kwang Soo. He has many worries as an actor but when he comes to record for Running Man, he forgets it all and works very hard. He is extremely loyal and takes good care of the younger members.
He often calls me early in the day and we talk for a long time. Honestly, as a friend, I want to tell him to stop doing variety shows and focus as an actor. But as Running Man’s PD, I want him to stay on the show right until the end. I feel sorry about that.”
— Jung Cheol Min
As for Haha, to many people’s surprise, Jung Cheol Min says he is the most mature member on the show. Haha is known as the one who is always playful like a child, based on his antics on the show.
“Haha is the most grown-up member. It feels like he is the head of the household. He is good at providing support to others in the middle of filming. He’s someone who always cheers me on and supports me.”
— Jung Cheol Min
Finally, Jung Chul Min spoke about the newest members, Jeon So Min and Yang Se Chan. While he has not worked with them for a long time, he already knows they are reliable.
“Jeon So Min and Yang Se Chan are reliable and I’m thankful for that.
I feel like I am very blessed. Meeting members that are this nice, I think I should work even harder to make a better program for them.”
— Jung Cheol Min
