Controversy Arises from Recent Episode of Running Man
On May 13, a significant online discussion erupted surrounding a post titled “Yang Se-chan‘s hitting Ji Ye Eun‘s head, ” which highlighted a moment from the May 11 episode of Running Man.
Episode Highlights and Heated Exchanges
The episode featured a penalty segment where members of a losing team had the chance to spare one participant from punishment. During this high-stakes moment, Ji Ye-eun, aiming to avoid the penalty, called out “Oppa” with a playful smile directed at Yoo Seung-ho. Yang Se-chan, however, interjected sharply, saying, “Stop it! I’m sick of hearing it, ” as he playfully pushed her arm and head.

A Pattern of Behavior?
This incident was not isolated; viewers recalled a similar occurrence from an October 2024 broadcast. During a “random quiz, ” Yang Se-chan was seen again hitting Ji Ye-eun’s head after Haha’s incorrect answer.
Viewer Reactions: Divided Opinions
The audience’s response was largely negative. Comments flooded in, including: “Why hit someone’s head?”, “No matter how close they are, that’s unacceptable, ” and “It’s inappropriate behavior regardless of gender.” Many spectators expressed their discomfort, stating, “Even while watching it live, I thought that was wrong, ” and “It’s not okay, even as a joke.” Some suggested that Yang Se-chan needs to revise his habits to avoid crossing boundaries.
Conversely, a segment of viewers defended the interaction, contemplating, “Maybe they’re just that close, ” and suggesting that “He didn’t seem to mean any harm, but he should be more careful in the future.”

Ongoing Concerns with [Running Man]
Controversies regarding [Running Man] are not new; the program has faced criticism in the past. For instance, a 2023 episode featured an unfiltered argument laden with expletives, which despite being censored, drew backlash from viewers. The inclusion of a parody referencing the R-rated film [Inside Men] further fueled discontent, leading to a formal recommendation from the Korea Communications Standards Commission to SBS.
Despite being a staple in the entertainment industry for 15 years, [Running Man] continues to grapple with viewer expectations. Calls for increased professionalism and mindfulness among cast members are growing louder as audiences seek a more respectful form of entertainment.
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