Running Man: Backlash Over Actress Harassment Game

‘Running Man’ K-Drama Game Sparks Outrage Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

A recent segment on teh popular South Korean variety show Running Man has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with viewers accusing producers of staging a scene amounting to sexual harassment involving actress Ahn Eun Jin and show host Yang Se Chan. the controversy centers around a game tied to the promotion of the new SBS K-drama Dynamite Kiss, and has sparked a debate about acceptable boundaries in entertainment, even in 2025.

Did you know? – Running Man, which debuted in 2010, is one of South Korea’s longest-running and most popular variety shows, known for its physical challenges and comedic segments.

The game,dubbed the “Kissing Game,” involved Yang Se Chan being blindfolded and tasked with identifying which of the show’s cast members kissed him,with the stipulation that the kiss leave a visible lipstick mark. according to reports, Yang Se Chan openly expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of being kissed by Ahn Eun Jin, stating, “I’d be grateful if she kissed me. I’d love that. I hope my lips are in good condition today. Again, I’m OK with it being on the lips! I’m open to it.”

After receiving a kiss on the forehead from the designated “Mafia” – later revealed to be Ahn Eun Jin – Yang Se Chan demanded kisses from all cast members to compare the lipstick marks. This prompted a comment from Ahn Eun jin expressing her surprise at the expectation of actual physical contact. “You didn’t tell me I would have to kiss anyone for real,” she reportedly said. Following encouragement from fellow cast member Kim Jong Kook, who likened the situation to “acting,” Ahn Eun Jin ultimately kissed Yang se chan’s arm. Even this gesture was met with further requests for additional kisses from Yang Se Chan and Haha.

Despite Ahn Eun Jin’s initial reluctance and the eventual compromise of a kiss on the arm, the episode’s airing triggered a massive backlash online. Hundreds of viewers took to platforms like theqoo to condemn the segment as inappropriate and outdated.

Pro tip: – When evaluating entertainment content, consider the power dynamics at play. A perceived “joke” can be harmful if one participant feels pressured or uncomfortable.

“This is nasty,” one commenter wrote. Another stated, “They’re still playing this kind of half-baked games in 2025???” several users drew comparisons to problematic behavior in other entertainment sectors, with one remarking, “You know, people have been blasting the K-Movie industry for being male-centric. But I think K-Entertainment field is even worse…” The criticism extended to the show’s production team, with one viewer expressing shock that the main producer was a woman.

Many viewers suggested alternative, less invasive game mechanics, such as “kissing on paper, or using lip-shape stickers, or literally any other kiss-themed game.” The overwhelming sentiment was captured in the statement, “There are so many better things they could’ve done… This is the worst. Just seeing the screenshots is unpleasant.”

The incident raises critical questions about the evolving standards of consent and respect within the South Korean entertainment industry. While Ahn Eun Jin reportedly participated in the game with the intention of deceiving Yang Se Chan,the initial dynamic

Reader question: – Do you think variety shows have a responsibility to model respectful behavior,even when aiming for comedic effect? What boundaries should be in place?

Why did this happen? The controversy stemmed from a “Kissing Game” on Running Man designed to promote the K-Drama Dynamite Kiss.Host Yang Se Chan’s enthusiastic requests for kisses from actress Ahn Eun Jin, coupled with pressure from other cast members, created a situation many viewers deemed inappropriate.

Who was involved? The key individuals were actress ahn