Song Ji-hyo arrived late to the May 4, 2025, episode of Running Man, blaming her lingerie business with a hilarious excuse that had everyone laughing. Her playful “Honey” call to Kim Jong-kook during a mission reignited their iconic chemistry, delighting fans and cast alike.
Late Arrival Sparks Laughter
The Running Man episode aired on May 4, 2025, on SBS at 6:10 PM KST. It featured the cast as quirky startup CEOs in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. As the members gathered, Song Ji-hyo was missing.
Yoo Jae-suk kept the mood light, joking about Ji Ye-eun’s bold shoulder pads. Ji Ye-eun replied, “I coordinated this with Ji-hyo unnie.” But where was Song Ji-hyo?
Yoo Jae-suk explained, “She took a wrong turn. She’s lost.” Ji Suk-jin laughed, “She drove herself instead of coming with her manager—that’s classic Ji-hyo.”
When Song Ji-hyo finally arrived, out of breath, she quipped, “Sorry, I was late selling Lingerie!” Her comedic timing had the cast in stitches. The excuse tied to her lingerie business, Nina Ssong, launched in December 2024.
“Honey” Moment Reignites Chemistry
The episode’s highlight came during a mission on a shaky bridge. Kim Jong-kook teased Song Ji-hyo, and she shouted, “Honey!” The cast erupted in laughter, yelling, “Here we go again!”
The moment echoed a previous episode on April 20, 2025, in Seongsu-dong. There, Song Ji-hyo called Kim Jong-kook “yeobo” (Korean for “honey”) while shopping. She tried to cover it, saying she meant “yeoboseyo” (hello), but the cast teased her relentlessly.
Haha said, “Wait, what was that? Next, it’ll be darling!” Yang Se-chan added, “It felt like a couple married for 30 years.” Yoo Jae-suk noted, “We don’t play up love lines anymore, but that was suspicious.”
Kim Jong-kook, flustered, laughed, “It caught me off guard. I almost said ‘yeobo’ back!” Fans loved the return of the Kkook-mong Couple, a fan-favorite dynamic once overshadowed by the show’s family-like vibe.
In the May 4 episode, Song Ji-hyo’s “Honey” call wasn’t her only nickname. She called Choi Daniel “Niel” and Ji Ye-eun “Yenny.” The cast playfully complained, “Stop using your secret language!”
Song Ji-hyo’s Lingerie Business
Song Ji-hyo launched Nina Ssong on December 29, 2024, after eight years of preparation. The brand offers simple, affordable lingerie with the tagline, “Offering comfort and sophistication that blends seamlessly like skin.”
She modeled for the brand herself, showcasing her toned figure in bold photoshoots. On the January 19, 2025, Running Man episode, Yoo Jae-suk praised her “bold shots.” Song Ji-hyo joked, “Some members couldn’t make eye contact with me today.”
Yang Se-chan imitated her poses, saying, “I saw everything. It was great!” Kim Jong-kook remarked, “She looked like a businesswoman,” keeping his tone neutral.
The business faced challenges early on. On the February 9, 2025, episode, Song Ji-hyo shared she got only one or two orders daily. Cast members advised, “It’s normal at first. Keep going.”
By May 2025, sales improved. A May 3, 2025, vlog on Ji Suk-jin’s YouTube channel, Jeeseokjin World, showed Song Ji-hyo designing pajamas for him. She measured his waist, surprising him with a 95 cm reading.
Ji Suk-jin expressed concern about her large office space, asking if rent was a burden. A staff member confirmed sales had risen, thanks to Kim Jong-kook’s YouTube video on GYM JONG KOOK. Ji Suk-jin hoped his vlog would boost sales further.
Ji Ye-eun also supported the brand, saying, “I replaced all my underwear with hers.” Song Ji-hyo’s hands-on approach, even sewing pajamas herself, showed her dedication.
Running Man’s Enduring Appeal
Running Man, airing since July 11, 2010, is South Korea’s longest-running variety show. The original cast included Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Gary, Lee Kwang-soo, and Song Joong-ki. Song Ji-hyo joined as a guest in episodes 2–5 and became a regular in episode 6.
Her “Ace Ji-hyo” nickname came from her game skills, like tricking Yoo Jae-suk in episode 132 or pouring water blindfolded in episode 209. She also excelled in physical challenges, like crossing a glass panel bridge in a Squid Game-inspired game.
The show’s success comes from its cast chemistry and diverse missions. Producer Jo Hyo-jin credits the clear “choose a winner” concept and strong member bonds. Celebrity guests add excitement, though some, like Big Bang, faced criticism for winning too easily.
Fan and Cast Reactions
Fans on social media went wild over the “Honey” moment. One wrote, > “Ji-hyo calling Jong-kook ‘Honey’ again? My Kkook-mong heart can’t handle this!” Another said, > “Their chemistry is unreal. It’s like watching a married couple bicker and flirt.”
Cast reactions mirrored the excitement. Haha teased, “It sounded really warm.” Ji Suk-jin asked, “Why did you call Jong-kook ‘yeobo’?” before Song Ji-hyo could respond.
The Kkook-mong Couple has a history. In 2019, the production team pushed a love line, but it felt forced. By 2021, Yoo Jae-suk encouraged it naturally, and the duo’s chemistry improved. A 2022 episode saw Song Ji-hyo kiss Kim Jong-kook’s head, thrilling fans.
Song Ji-hyo’s Busy 2025
Beyond Running Man, Song Ji-hyo joined JTBC’s Body Cam in 2025, connecting with emergency responders. Her January 12, 2025, tarot reading on Running Man predicted a strong drive for new challenges, which she confirmed, saying, “I’ve been thinking that lately.”
The tarot reader advised caution with younger men, sparking playful cast reactions. Kim Jong-kook and Ji Suk-jin praised her business dedication, with Yoo Jae-suk calling her a “niece” he watches over.
Also Read: Song Ji-hyo’s Hands-On Approach Boosts Lingerie Brand with Custom Pajamas for Ji Suk-jin
As of May 2025, Song Ji-hyo balances Running Man and Nina Ssong. Her lingerie brand is gaining traction, with sales boosted by cast support and her hands-on efforts. The Kkook-mong Couple remains a fan favorite, with every “Honey” moment fueling excitement. The May 4 episode, filled with laughter and chemistry, aired to strong viewership, cementing Running Man’s enduring popularity.
