Running Man PD on producing for the show + the best qualities of each cast member

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

SBS‘s flagship Sunday variety program, ‘Running Man‘, is going through a renaissance period, bolstering its line of characters and inviting even more popular celebrities as its weekly guests.

Although the audience is only aware of what they can see through the television, much work goes on behind-the-scenes to making every episode happen. The lead producer of the popular variety show, Cho Hyo Jin, recently sat down with Osen for a short interview.

==========

You’re currently in a ratings battle with ’1 Night 2 Days’.

Honestly, I could care more about the ratings. If I cared that much, I would’ve changed the format of the show two and a half years ago. I don’t look at the minute-by-minute graphs as well. Either the scriptwriters tell me “the ratings are out“, or I get a text message from friends congratulating me on good ratings, and that’s when I take a look.

You’re in charge of SBS’ flagship variety program. Isn’t it a burden?

Of course it’s a burden. I always try to not lose face and also have higher goals in mind. Among ourselves, the motto is “don’t do anything that would embarrass us“, especially among fellow workers in this field.

The show’s been charged with being scripted, Gary had announced his departure, and your ratings were low. There must’ve been times when you felt frustrated.

I didn’t really care. I don’t read too many articles and don’t go on the Internet often. I get easily hurt so I tend to avoid those kind of things. (laughter)

For important articles, I read them when my writers tell me I should. When I get calls from reporters and I answer, “I’ll check up on it”, it’s not that I’m hiding, but I really don’t know. Other than producing the program, I don’t focus on much else, even the ratings. I just focus on producing something I can be proud of.

The show’s been going on with the current cast for quite a while. Do you have any plans to change the cast or format?

If you’re talking about the ‘season’ system, our concept changes every week so I don’t know if it will be necessary. The members also think that there’s still plenty to explore. For example, Ji Suk Jin‘s body gags were something that only came out recently. The members right now are all so good and we have plenty of guests, so I don’t think there will be much trouble.

The show lost its ‘face’ after Song Joong Ki left. Do you have plans for a replacement? Asking this now?

Joong Ki was a member with such a good image, but at the time it was an unavoidable decision, so we parted with good feelings. Regardless of him, however, I liked the number seven. We could have two to three guests an episode, and in many ways, producing got easier when we had seven members. So I didn’t really think of adding a new member.

As a producer, what are the best qualities of each of the cast members?

This is common knowledge, but Yoo Jae Suk has a soft charisma that he can lead the entire team with. He is also adept at pointing out the focus of the week’s concept. When we plan a new item, he’s the one saying “this is how we’re supposed to do it“. Thanks to that, it makes it easier for the audience to follow the show. The way he can point out the focal point or theme of an episode we’ve planned borders on genius.

Kim Jong Kook is the image of power that the show can’t be without. In the upcoming episode with Choo Sung Hoon, the two of them get in a sparring match. He also acts as a ‘counter partner’ that the members can run to. All programs say they need an ‘evil’ role to be successful, but Kim Jong Kook isn’t evil – he’s more of an ‘enemy’ role. He also has his faults and isn’t too strong, so that adds to his merit.

It makes me proud to see Song Ji Hyo holding her own among the male cast. She fits with the recent trend of favoring strong-willed women who don’t pretend to be fragile. She doesn’t hold herself as weak, is very quick on her feet, and is able to stand up against an enemy or a mission without a second thought.

I can hardly believe that it’s only been two years since Lee Kwang Soo started variety. He learns things very quickly. He’s also the youngest, so he gets a lot of love on the set because he treats his hyungs so well. The members are all playful with him and that shows up in the final product. He is also good at thinking outside the box, and acts as a sort of spice to the program. He has never been on a variety show before, but he shows remarkable growth. It was a good decision choosing him.

Gary was always known for having a quick-witted tongue. It’s a relief that he’s able to show that off on the program. Maybe it’s because he’s a lyricist, but he has a different way of talking, kind of like a poet. He doesn’t look it, but he is surprisingly popular with the ladies. (laughter) Although you can’t tell from the outside, he hides a lot of charm on the inside. He seems innocent, but is good at pick-up lines, and that’s his true character.

Ji Suk Jin takes care of the younger ones behind the scenes very well. He’s not hesitant about using his body, so despite his age he often provides a lot of body gags – even though his body doesn’t listen to him. (laughter) It’s not easy for the eldest member to do that kinds of things, so I’m very thankful towards him.

HaHa is someone who I can trust with anything. He has a very strong foundation. He understands how the producers want something to play out, and runs with it. Some of the qualities of Yoo Jae Suk I can also find in HaHa. He himself says he learned these traits from Yoo Jae Suk. He taught him well.

Are you a fan of ‘Running Man’, what is your favorite elements of the show? Are you happy with it’s current renaissance?

Source: OSEN via Nate | Allkpop
Mods, Allkpop didn't link to the source (shock!)

Comments

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

If only Jihyo wasn't sidelined as Gary's girl I would like this PD. Not to mention always making her lose to female guests.

[waterpulse.livejournal.com]

This, basically.

[921227.livejournal.com]

IA. Jihyo, Sukjin, Gwangsoo and Gary all to an extent tread back a little when certain types of guest are on and for Jihyo it's usually female guests, but she doesn't really seem upset about it

[shunluv.livejournal.com]

Yeah me too.i really think it jihyo own choice to lose especially when she respect the guest. I don't think she mind. She would be active when she need too like in park shin yang ep

[miwa201.livejournal.com]

mte. when jihyo wants to win, she goes all out.

[zombiechick815.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you. I think JiHyo realizes her role in the show pretty well. She has her moments and she knows when others also need time. She just does her thing and has fun with the members I think.

[okdubu.livejournal.com]

THIS GUY KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT *POINTS TO GARY SECTION*

saw him in person last week WHOOOO HAW he can take me home any day

[markthatcoin.livejournal.com]

this comment made me giggle

[yuukihitohira.livejournal.com]

YES, I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING IN THIS COMMENT.

[miwa201.livejournal.com]

jealous!

[zombiechick815.livejournal.com]

Gah I'm so jealous! Gary is really handsome so I always kind of laugh when they make fun of his looks

[pamuya.livejournal.com]

im really behind on this show

can you guys recommend some standout eps i should watch?

[markthatcoin.livejournal.com]

here's a thread from the last ffa (http://omonatheydidnt.livejournal.com/10508954.html?thread=1058031514#t1058031514) that i happened to bookmark ^^

[pamuya.livejournal.com]

thanks!

[pamuya.livejournal.com]

i stopped somewhere in the 100s. i have seen 103 and lmao i loved it

thanks <3

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

I dropped the show around 100 too so thanks.

[pluhzee.livejournal.com]

I usually use ISubs to watch but they're only at ep 108... The show on TV where I live is even more up to date... Do you have any other links?

[taiyouhana.livejournal.com]

you could try viki.com, as a last resort. they're really slow in updating tho

[angelkitti.livejournal.com]

The soccer eps with Park JiSung and IU!!!

[x3raindropsx3.livejournal.com]

I was laughing so hard I started crying with that first episode!

[mintcappucino.livejournal.com]

definitely. my fave RM ep ever!!

[o-srsly.livejournal.com]

I concur with the above and I also loved ep.128, the guests got really into the games and the Giraffe/Tiger dynamic just had me in stitches.

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

The most recentepisodes where hilarious. The guests were great and worked really well with the cast. 127 & 128.

[japataz.livejournal.com]

I'm watching Running Man right now! Love this show and agree they need more focus on Jihyo and less on some of the female guests. The last few episodes have been really good though.

[crystalheng.livejournal.com]

Kwangsoo had been on a variety show for 1 episode before RM actually. It was Star Golden Bell, and he was so goofy lol

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

Really? Going to look for that now!

[soongie.livejournal.com]

lmao i remember that. he looked so much like noh hong chul back then with the bowl cut and facial hair lol

[zombiechick815.livejournal.com]

I agree with you about Gwangsoo. There are times when he steals the entire episode! He is so funny when he wants to be!

[ayumikoshiro.livejournal.com]

I like the show. I'm half and half about him not reading comments sometimes us sane netizens have some really good things to say, but on the other hand 9/10 times it's something negative and/or non-constructive.

I can see HaHa's sense for variety I hope he gets all the awards.

I hope it runs for a long long time.

[921227.livejournal.com]

The plus and negative to RM is definitely the cast- they're strong and likable and have distinct characters so everything just meshes well, but since they mesh so well, guests usually have no chance against them ie anytime the bells hide n seek is brought back

[tlict.livejournal.com]

idk what to comment. I JUST REALLY REALLY LOVE THE SHOW.

[unicornios.livejournal.com]

I've been on a RM marathon since like Friday... I love it so much.


It makes me proud to see Song Ji Hyo holding her own among the male cast. She fits with the recent trend of favoring strong-willed women who don’t pretend to be fragile. She doesn’t hold herself as weak, is very quick on her feet, and is able to stand up against an enemy or a mission without a second thought.

I love this comment because I'm like Jihyo and it drives me nuts when some female guests literally don't do anything and instead act all cutesy.
I'm kind of aggressive and competitive so I'd be all over that show lol

[sisterjune.livejournal.com]

haha same! i'm really aggressive and competitive. so i love how even tho ji hyo is small she just goes HAM on everyone. she took out haha, suk jin and kwangsoo several times hahaha. they always look so shocked XD and one time jong kook had to carry her past a finish line for a challenge but her job was to hinder him as much as possible and she fought him so hard even tho he is huge hahaha. he's so scary srsly XDD altho its been said his weakness is women as he seems to never quite be able to win against them XD omg that RM ep with park ye jin. and all the times ji hyo cried so he'd let her go and he'd be unable to say no XD. but omg she was so rough he actually had to flip hair and carry her like a sack of potatoes hahah. but in then she succeeded and they both fell XD thus he lost. she's such a badass. and when she teams up with kook they are unstoppable. she is very deserving of that nickname "ace"

[unicornios.livejournal.com]

seriously. she's amazing.
I'm totally a Jihyo. I'd be all over Jong Kook tripping him and shit lol

[yuukihitohira.livejournal.com]

He doesn’t look it, but he is surprisingly popular with the ladies. (laughter) Although you can’t tell from the outside, he hides a lot of charm on the inside. He seems innocent, but is good at pick-up lines, and that’s his true character.

After seeing Gary irl a few days ago, I can say that this comment is 100% T R U E. Gary has so much charisma irl I was shocked and swooning, it was almost slightly embarrassing ._.

I love this show to death and have watched it since the first time DBSK guested (which was ep...30? 33? 30 something) and it's become a part of my weekly routine :( It's had its slow times and times where I've been super frustrated and annoyed with things (like how they treat Jihyo or even some of their guests), but overall, I think it's an amazing show and really hope that it goes on for as long as it can...so long as this cast stays :c

[soongie.livejournal.com]

i'd want to see gary irl too!! so jelly. :( he seems so charming and kind and sweet and idk vnasckasdlgs XD <3

[reminiscience.livejournal.com]

^ i can tell gary has loads of charisma even through the screen and occasionally unflattering editing! ): so attracted to guys like him, ide hahaha

my favourite people are definitely jihyo, gary and the incomparable yoo jaesuk (: i've been following the show from the very beginning and i've enjoyed pretty much all its incarnations - it's the people that make RM amazing for me, not just the format. i would like it more if they focused less on the guests - the recent ep with seunggi was just... not bad, just blatantly biased. lolz. my only complaint, if any! also how queen ji gets sidelined whenever a female guest comes on (when she is 8x cooler and better). rawr. but that aside, RM is amazing and wonderful and i hope it continues on for a long time to come.

[soongie.livejournal.com]

ia with everything about jihyo.

like the most recent idol olympic thingy episode irritated the hell out of me because of sulli. it was so obv that she was acting too frail during the hockey part lol but jihyo wasn't complaining! i just love her to bits <3

[mintcappucino.livejournal.com]

The casts were there more than 2 years already, so obviously they managed their own image well now. It's like a puzzle pieces, they complement each other just right.

Hope no changes in cast, PDnim!!!

PS. Maybe add YongHwa. He is considerably a member now. 7 appearances?

[zombiechick815.livejournal.com]

I would love it if they added Yonghwa! I think he is the only one that could come onto the show and mesh perfectly with the existing cast.

Well, maybe Daesung too.

[surfandlurk.livejournal.com]

This show appealed to me from the very start. I miss the days when they all feared when they hear the sound of the bells :)

[beanii.livejournal.com]

Speaking of frail female guests, I can't wait for next with lee si young because I know she is serious business.

I thought I was the only one that thought Gary was definitely a charmer.

[weerainbow.livejournal.com]

I fell so behind on Running Man episodes but whenever I do catch one I always have a great laugh. The PD seems to have the right attitude and I think that's why things are working well mostly, he's aiming at doing a good job and making tv they can be proud of rather than trying to think what can bring the ratings up. I like his comments about the cast too, I think they are all great and they do all contribute so much to the show!
I'm in the mood for it now ahh I'll have to dig out some episodes to watch :)

[regnsky.livejournal.com]

I really like the dynamic of the RM crew. Everybody has something to come with even if some get more screen time then other. It wouldn't be the same if any of them quit.

[88keyz2nun.livejournal.com]

And this is what makes Running man so bad ass

[zombiechick815.livejournal.com]

I love RM so much it's crazy. I think out of all K-pop/K-dramas/K-varieties, RM is my favorite thing. There's so much to it that is so different from everything else. I love how close the cast is, and how you can tell they genuinely care for each other. I also love how funny it is. I've watched RM on some of my worst days and it's made me feel so much better. I hope it stays on for years to come!

[bubbliciouz.livejournal.com]

I totally agree. It might sound silly but RM helped me get through some pretty tough times.

Also, perfect pic! YJS is the best!!!