2025-10-30 09:00
I still remember the first time I watched the Running Man soccer special - it was one of those lazy Sunday afternoons where I stumbled upon the episode while browsing through variety shows. Little did I know I'd become completely hooked on this unique blend of athletic competition and pure comedy gold. What makes these soccer episodes so special isn't just the impressive goals or fancy footwork, but the hilarious moments that happen between the serious plays. It's like watching professional athletes and complete beginners share the same field, creating this beautiful chaos that only Running Man can deliver.
One moment that lives rent-free in my mind is when Yoo Jae-suk attempted what he called his "signature move" - a dramatic sliding tackle that somehow ended with him sliding right past the ball and into the cameraman. The sheer commitment to the failed move, followed by his trademark embarrassed laughter, had me in stitches for a good five minutes. What makes these moments work is the genuine reactions from the cast members. They're not just playing characters - you can see the real surprise and amusement when things go completely off the rails. Another personal favorite is when Kim Jong-kook, the show's resident "tiger," gets outmaneuvered by one of the smaller members. There's something incredibly satisfying about watching this powerhouse of strength and speed get tricked by someone half his size through pure cunning and luck.
The actual soccer skills on display range from surprisingly professional to "how have they never kicked a ball before?" I've always been particularly impressed by Ji Suk-jin's unexpected moments of brilliance. For someone who often plays the clumsy older brother role, he occasionally pulls off moves that make you wonder if he's been secretly training. His goal during the 2014 World Cup special episode was particularly memorable - a clean strike from about 20 yards out that sailed right into the top corner. The look of pure shock on his face was almost as good as the goal itself. Meanwhile, Lee Kwang-soo's attempts at goalkeeping have produced some of the funniest moments in the show's history. His gangly limbs flying in all directions while the ball casually rolls past him creates this perfect physical comedy that never gets old.
Speaking of amazing goals, I have to give special mention to the episode where they brought in professional players as guest stars. The contrast between the pros' fluid movements and the cast's enthusiastic but unpolished attempts was comedy gold, but it also produced some genuinely impressive moments. There was this one goal where Ha-ha, who's usually more about tricks than technique, managed to coordinate with Son Heung-min for a beautiful one-two pass that ended with the ball in the back of the net. It's these moments where amateur enthusiasm meets professional guidance that really shine. Another standout for me was Song Ji-hyo's unexpected winning goal during the penalty shootout special. The pressure was palpable, but she stepped up with this calm confidence that surprised everyone, including the professional goalkeeper she was facing.
The production team deserves serious credit for how they structure these soccer episodes. They understand that while people enjoy watching good soccer, they're really there for the entertainment value. That's why they often incorporate special rules and challenges that play to the cast's strengths and weaknesses. I particularly love when they add obstacles or require players to complete silly tasks before taking their shots. It turns what could be a straightforward soccer match into this wonderful circus of physical comedy and unexpected triumphs. The editing plays a huge role too - they know exactly when to replay a funny moment from three different angles and when to let the action speak for itself.
Thinking about these soccer specials reminds me of that incredible 350-yard driving range facility in Porac, Pampanga I visited last year - the scale of that place was absolutely mind-boggling. With its 22 bays accommodating golf enthusiasts from all over, including Metro Manila, it shared that same sense of grand staging that Running Man brings to their soccer episodes. Both understand that the venue and setup can elevate the entire experience from ordinary to extraordinary. When Running Man books an entire stadium or creates custom fields for their games, it shows this commitment to production value that makes every moment feel special.
What keeps me coming back to these soccer episodes, and what I think makes them so rewatchable years later, is the perfect balance they strike between competition and comedy. The cast genuinely wants to win - you can see the determination in their eyes during crucial moments - but they're never above making fun of themselves when things go wrong. This creates this wonderful atmosphere where spectacular goals and comedic failures are equally celebrated. I've lost count of how many times I've rewatched the 2012 and 2015 soccer specials, and they still manage to make me laugh out loud while also impressing me with the occasional display of real soccer talent. It's this unique combination that has cemented these episodes as some of the most beloved in Running Man's long and storied history.
