Song Ji-hyo Become #1 in China with Her Timeless Beauty and 14-Year Career on “Running Man”

Song Ji-hyo, a beloved actress and variety show star, has become a sensation in China, surpassing renowned actress Fan Bingbing to rank as the top female celebrity on the country’s largest video platform. This achievement is a testament to the incredible popularity of the SBS variety show “Running Man,” where Song Ji-hyo has been a constant presence for an impressive 14 years.
14 Years of “Running Man”: Song Ji-hyo’s Unwavering Dedication
Song Ji-hyo recently opened up about her time on “Running Man” during an appearance on the YouTube channel Jo Dong Ari. Reflecting on her long career with the show, she shared that she never once considered leaving. “I never imagined I’d be on variety shows for this long,” she said. “The production team and I shared a good relationship, and as long as they didn’t end the show, I felt I couldn’t leave.”

Despite changes in the production team, Song Ji-hyo explained that her bond with the other cast members made her want to stay. “Now, I’ve become attached to the members, and I feel I should continue until it ends,” she added.
When her fellow cast member Ji Seok-jin jokingly mentioned that Song Ji-hyo once considered leaving the show, she quickly dismissed it, “Don’t spread rumors, I never thought about it.” She confessed that she initially thought she would quit after 10 years, seeing it as a natural “graduation” from variety shows. However, 14 years later, she is still going strong, continuing without ever truly planning to leave.
Song Ji-hyo also spoke about the close relationships she has built with the Running Man team. “We’ve become like a family,” she said, “and whenever there’s doubt or concerns about leaving, we talk about it together. I’ve never felt the need to leave.”
Dominating China: Song Ji-hyo Becomes the #1 Female Celebrity
Song Ji-hyo’s popularity has reached new heights, especially in China, where “Running Man” has gained a massive following. Her appearances on the show have accumulated over 1.8 billion views on China’s largest video platform, making her the top-ranked female celebrity in the country, surpassing even the famous Fan Bingbing.

Her charm and humor have made her a favorite among Chinese fans, proving her strong international appeal.
A Beauty That Stopped the Whole School
Song Ji-hyo’s beauty has always been a topic of admiration. In one memorable broadcast, singer Youngji, a high school classmate of Song Ji-hyo, shared a story from their school days. She revealed that when Song Ji-hyo transferred to their school, the entire student body gathered in the hallway just to catch a glimpse of her. This anecdote further highlights her stunning looks and the impression she made even at a young age.

“Running Man” Overseas Fan Meeting Success
Despite her success abroad, Song Ji-hyo remains a core member of Running Man, which has been airing since July 2010. The show’s international popularity continues to grow, with recent fan meetings held in cities like Jakarta. The latest fan meeting in Indonesia was a huge success, where Song Ji-hyo, along with other cast members Yoo Jae-suk, Yang Se-chan, Kim Jong-kook, Ji Seok-jin, and Ha Ha, interacted with their dedicated fans in a lively and heartwarming event.
As Running Man continues its incredible run, Song Ji-hyo’s star power shows no signs of fading. Her influence both in Korea and internationally proves her place as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.