Ji Ye Eun Faces Backlash After Joining “Running Man,” Can She Shoulder the Pressure?
On the December 22 episode, Ji Ye Eun was officially welcomed as a permanent member of “Running Man.” Host Yoo Jae Suk reflected on her first appearance in June, “For a long-running show like ours, fans are sensitive to changes in the cast,” while expressing his gratitude, “Ji Ye Eun has brought new energy to our program.” Ji Ye Eun shared her excitement, “I’m happy to join this legendary show.”
However, the journey hasn’t been easy. Ji Ye Eun faced harsh criticism even before her status as a regular member was confirmed. Starting in June, she appeared consistently on the show without a formal announcement, leading to rumors and a wave of malicious comments accusing her of not fitting in with the “Running Man” team. The negativity was so severe that Ji Ye Eun temporarily disabled comments on her social media.
“Running Man” is known for its loyal global fanbase, especially for its original cast. New members are often labeled as “outsiders” and subjected to relentless criticism. Even Jeon So Min, who left the show last year, previously spoke about the emotional toll of enduring years of similar backlash.
Despite initial negativity, Ji Ye Eun gradually won over the audience with her energetic personality and willingness to embrace the show’s comedic challenges. Over the past six months, her growing bond with the cast and her positive impact on the show led the “Running Man” PD to choose her as a regular member.
A longtime fan of both “Running Man” and Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Ye Eun revealed in an August interview that appearing on the show had been a lifelong dream. “I’ve admired Yoo Jae Suk since my school days. I even had his photo as my phone’s wallpaper. Working with him on ‘Running Man’ feels surreal. I’m living the dream of a superfan.”
Now that she’s achieved her dream, Ji Ye Eun must face the accompanying challenges. Any controversies could trigger another wave of backlash from hardcore fans, and comparisons to previous members are inevitable. On the brighter side, her growing fanbase is a sign of her rising popularity. Her social media is now filled with supportive comments celebrating her new role.
As Ji Ye Eun takes on this double-edged sword, fans hope she will continue to shine as a permanent member of “Running Man.” With resilience and her trademark charm, she has the potential to solidify her place in the hearts of viewers worldwide.
