In the latest episode of the long-running SBS variety show Running Man, which aired on August 23, 2026, the cast hosted a special “Cheer Up, Manager Kang” race. The event was organized to honor director Kang Chan-hee, who has been a staple of the show’s production team for 16 years.
The competition centered on a high-stakes dart game, with the cast aiming to win prizes—including joint supplements, gift certificates, and wild ginseng—to present to the director. The members faced off against professional darts player Lee Se-hyun, a world championship runner-up. Upon his entrance, the atmosphere shifted as the cast immediately noted his uncanny resemblance to South Korean football star Son Heung-min.
Kim Jong-kook, visibly surprised, questioned if the footballer had arrived, leading the other members to comment that the resemblance was identical. At the cast’s request, Lee Se-hyun performed Son Heung-min’s signature “camera click” goal celebration, drawing significant laughter from the group.
Despite the lighthearted moment, the professional athlete proved difficult to beat. The Running Man cast failed to secure the prizes during the main dart showdown. Following the loss, member Haha took the initiative to personally purchase wild ginseng for the director, paying 500,000 won out of pocket. The episode concluded with Kang Chan-hee receiving a new director’s chair from the production team and the personal gift from Haha, highlighting the long-standing rapport between the staff and the show’s cast.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
Running Man Cast Surprised by Professional Darts Player's Resemblance to Son Heung-min Professional darts player Lee Se-hyun made a surprise appearance on SBS’s "Running Man," shocking the cast with his striking resemblance to footballer Son Heung-min.
What should readers watch next?
The competition centered on a high-stakes dart game, with the cast aiming to win prizes—including joint supplements, gift certificates, and wild ginseng—to present to the director.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
Cast Perspective vs Production Team Perspective
Story lens
Cast Perspective
The Running Man cast members utilized the guest's appearance to create lighthearted entertainment, demonstrating their ability to adapt to unexpected scenarios. By engaging with Lee Se-hyun's resemblance to a national icon, they maintained the show's trademark casual and humorous atmosphere
Production Team Perspective
The focus on celebrating a long-term staff member like Kang Chan-hee signals a strategic effort by the production team to build emotional resonance with the audience. This highlights the value placed on institutional memory and the personal bonds that underpin the show's longevity
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