The Running Man cast met Filipino runners at the “RUN 2 U” IN MANILA fan meeting, keeping their word to return to the Philippines!

At the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 6, 2024, Jee Seok Jin, Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan returned to the Philippines to meet up with Filipino Runners, who greeted them warmly and joyfully once more. The members of Running Man, the longest-running entertainment program in South Korea, returned their hospitality by expressing their gratitude and admiration for their Filipino fans.

The Running Man Philippines ensemble, which includes Mikael Daez, Kokoy Do Santos, Angel Guardian, Glaiza De Castro, Buboy Villar, Lexi Gonzales, and Miguel Tanfelix, kicked off the fan gathering with a variety of performances that electrified the audience.

The show, which is currently in its second season, excitedly revealed HAHA from its most recent episode during the fan meeting.

Moving on to the main event, the lights went down and, in a scene reminiscent of the previous year’s, the venue erupted into wild applause. As Yu Jae Suk entered the stage to the sound of BTS’s “Spring Day,” the applause intensified. The Nation’s MC of South Korea constantly bowed and waved to everyone with humility and thanks. The other members, HAHA, Yang Se Chan, Song Ji Hyo, Jee Seok Jin, and Kim Jong Kook, came out on stage one by one to carry on the serenade.

As they continued to show their fans how much they were valued, their humility and gratitude reverberated loudly. Throughout the event, “Salamat po” was said often, accompanied by kind glances and beaming smiles for the fans, who returned the favor with applause and enthusiastic waves.

A spring day blossomed last July 6 for fans of Running Man as Jee Seok Jin, Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan made true with their promise to come back to the Philippines 🩵

The cast opened #RUN2UinMANILA with BTS’ Spring Day 🌸 #RUNNINGMANinMANILA… pic.twitter.com/MXrulLpTRc

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) July 8, 2024

The hosts for the evening, Ryan Bang and Kring Kim, who also hosted RUNNING MAN: A DECADE OF LAUGHTER 2023 IN MANILA, opened the fan meeting with an official welcome and allowed the cast to greet their Runners personally using the Filipino phrases “salamat po” and “mahal kita.” Cheers, that rang out loud and proudly across the audience, demonstrated the typical Filipino concert/event crowd flair of making sure their favorite stars knew how thrilled they were.

The fan meeting also provided an opportunity for Filipino fans to witness the cast’s chaotic interactions during their interview segments and games. The members’ strong relationship, which has grown over the years of their many years together, was joyful to see. Running Man, which debuted on July 11, 2010, will celebrate its 14th anniversary in July of this year. Filipino runners gave the group a cake and a banner project as a means to celebrate this achievement and pledged their unwavering support for Running Man.

Always and forever, Philippine Runners will RUN with U 🫶

Jee Seok Jin, Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan reunited with their Filipino fans in #RUN2UinMANILA, opening the show with BTS’s “Spring Day” and performing solo and unit stages. Like… pic.twitter.com/GgW7t0ALIN

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) July 6, 2024

The Running Man ensemble’s performances ensured that the excitement never faded. Song Ji Hyo kicked off the performances with “Bam Yang Gang” by BIBI. After that, Jee Seok Jin gave a solo stage performance of “All of Me” by John Legend. Yang Se Chan wowed the crowd with his rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” while rocking a full Freddie Mercury cosplay. HAHA proceeded next, inviting SRG to join him on stage for their collaboration, “Ice Bottle,” featuring U-KWON.

Kim Jong Kook sang his hits “One Man” and “Spring Has Come” to a delighted crowd in Manila. Yoo San Seul, Yoo Jae Suk’s trot singer alter ego, made a special appearance at the fan meeting and sang “Redevelopment of Love.”

In addition to performing individually, the Running Man cast collaborated to present their unit performances on the Philippine concert stage. “Kalla” and “DANG DIGGI BANG” by Yang Se Chan and HAHA fuelled the excitement even further. “We Need to Talk” by SpartAce Couple, Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook, set the mood for kilig.

Returning to the stage with “Beach Again,” Song Ji Hyo, HAHA, and Jee Seok Jin were followed by Yu Jae Suk, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan, who took the spotlight with “Y.”

The members then took a moment to give Filipino Runners their sincere messages, expressing how happy they were to have met them and making a vow to come back again. Before bidding their final goodbyes, the members sang Running Man’s theme song “I Like It”, their new song, DAY6’s “Time of Our Life”, Kim Jong Kook’s “Loveable”, and RGP’s “Busan Vacance”.

RUNNING MAN: “RUN 2 U” IN MANILA concluded with expressions of thanks and promises to get together once more. It unveiled new memories to be cherished for a lifetime and a commitment to continue running together always and forever.