'Running Man' Hits 16 Years With Star-Studded Tributes and Ratings Win

SBS variety show "Running Man" is celebrating its 16th anniversary while holding on to its spot as the top-rated Sunday variety program among viewers ages 20 to 49.

The July 19 episode drew a 1.7 percent rating in the 20-49 demographic and peaked at 5.0 percent per minute, according to Nielsen Korea's Seoul metropolitan area household figures. The show topped all Sunday variety programs in that key demographic, not just those in its time slot.

"Running Man" returned to the No. 1 Sunday variety spot in the 20-49 demographic with its July 5 episode, a twist-filled survival race. On the July 12 broadcast, actors Heo Nam-jun, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kang Hoon and Cha Tae-hyun sent 16th anniversary video messages, along with former "Running Man" members Jeon So-min and Choi Daniel.

The July 19 episode was built around a race called "Chulgeun Yaho," in which the cast members' call time for the next shoot was on the line. The members split into two teams. Song Ji-hyo's team included Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Jong-kook, while Ji Ye-eun's team included Ji Suk-jin, Haha and Yang Se-chan. The teams took on a range of activities on a floating dock.

Their next call time kept shifting based on mission results and picks from a "time vending machine." At one point it was pushed as late as 2 p.m., raising the tension.

In the final race, Ji Ye-eun, Haha and Yoo Jae-suk earned the chance to decide everyone's fate. Yoo Jae-suk drew a "-5," locking in a call time of 8:30 a.m. KST for the next shoot. Yoo Jae-suk and Haha looked pleased, but the other members could not hide their disappointment at the earlier-than-expected start.

To mark the anniversary, "Running Man" is also running a viewer event. Fans can comment on the event post on SBS's official Instagram account, SBS NOW, with the member they want to honor, the name of the award and a message for the certificate. Winners will be drawn, and the "viewer certificates" will be delivered to the members. The event is open until 8 p.m. KST on July 20.