By Dwi Wanna 
The long-standing absence of the legendary K-pop group BIGBANG from the popular SBS variety program Running Man has been a point of curiosity for fans for nearly ten years, and a recent broadcast has finally shed light on the underlying reasons. During the episode aired on September 6, the show’s primary cast members, including Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, and Ji Suk Jin, engaged in a candid discussion regarding the group’s history with the program. The conversation revealed that a particularly grueling filming experience in 2015 left a lasting impression on the group’s leader, G-Dragon, potentially contributing to their decade-long hiatus from the show’s high-energy format.
The discussion was prompted by the cast members’ attire for the day. Following a directive from the production team to "dress carefully," the members arrived in various stylish outfits. Haha, known for his long-standing admiration of the group, appeared wearing a BIGBANG merchandise t-shirt. He shared with the group and the audience that he had attended a BIGBANG-related event just the day prior, expressing his enthusiasm for the group’s enduring energy. "Yesterday’s BIGBANG concert was chaotic," Haha remarked, highlighting the intense atmosphere and the group’s continued relevance in the music industry.
Yoo Jae Suk, often referred to as the "Nation’s MC," acknowledged the deep-seated connection between the Running Man cast and the members of BIGBANG. "We have a close bond with BIGBANG," he noted, reflecting on the numerous times the members have crossed paths on various variety sets over the last two decades. Seizing the moment, Haha looked directly into the camera to issue a public invitation: "BIGBANG, come out once." This plea resonated with fans who have been waiting for a full-group appearance since the mid-2010s.
The 2015 Mudflat Incident: A Turning Point
The conversation took a more analytical turn when Ji Suk Jin asked the question on many viewers’ minds: "Why doesn’t BIGBANG appear?" In response, Yoo Jae Suk revealed that the physical demands of the show’s earlier format may have played a significant role. Specifically, he pointed to G-Dragon’s experience during their last major appearance in 2015. "G-Dragon struggled a lot before," Yoo Jae Suk admitted. "It was quite intense back then."
Haha added to the sentiment with a laugh, recalling that G-Dragon might still harbor "bad memories" from that particular shoot. This refers to Episode 250 of Running Man, titled "Dashing Men," which featured all five members of BIGBANG. The episode is famous among the "Running Man" fandom for its "Cuckoo Clock" game, which took place in a vast, grueling mudflat. During the filming, the BIGBANG members—who are typically known for their polished, high-fashion stage personas—threw themselves into the mud with exceptional "variety spirit."
The mudflat challenge required the guests to engage in intense physical wrestling and racing while submerged in thick, heavy silt. G-Dragon, in particular, was seen struggling to maintain his footing, his face and hair completely covered in mud as he competed against the seasoned cast members. While the episode was a ratings success and praised for the guests’ willingness to discard their idol images for the sake of entertainment, the physical toll of such "hardcore" variety filming was evident. At the time, the show was known for its "rough-and-tumble" style, often requiring ten to twelve hours of continuous physical exertion.
The Evolution of Running Man and BIGBANG’s Variety Legacy
To understand why a return has been so delayed, it is necessary to look at the parallel trajectories of both the show and the group. In 2015, Running Man was in the midst of its most physically demanding era, characterized by the iconic "Nametag Ripping" games and elaborate outdoor obstacle courses. For a top-tier idol group like BIGBANG, whose schedules were already packed with world tours and high-pressure comebacks, the risk of injury or extreme fatigue from variety filming was a genuine concern for management.
BIGBANG’s history with SBS variety shows extends back to the mid-2000s. G-Dragon and Daesung were frequent guests on programs like Family Outing, which was also hosted by Yoo Jae Suk. These early appearances helped establish the members as versatile entertainers, not just musicians. However, as the group reached "legend" status, their appearances became more selective. Following the 2015 Running Man episode, the group shifted toward more talk-oriented or lifestyle-based variety content, such as Infinite Challenge or Radio Star, which offered a different kind of engagement without the extreme physical strain.
Furthermore, the period between 2017 and 2022 saw the members of BIGBANG fulfilling their mandatory South Korean military service. This multi-year hiatus, followed by various personal projects and the restructuring of their home agency, YG Entertainment, created a natural gap in group activities. During this time, the landscape of Korean variety also shifted. Running Man itself transitioned from a pure action-variety show to a more character-driven talk and game show, reflecting the aging of its own cast and the changing tastes of the domestic audience.
Current Activities and the Potential for a Reunion
The recent mention of BIGBANG on Running Man comes at a time when the members are increasingly active in the public eye. G-Dragon has been frequently spotted at major fashion and public events, with rumors of a long-awaited solo comeback circulating throughout 2024. Taeyang recently completed a successful solo comeback and concert series, demonstrating that the "BIGBANG brand" still commands massive domestic and international attention. Daesung has found a new niche as a successful variety host through his YouTube channel, Zip Daesung, where he often interviews fellow idols and industry veterans.
The "Running Man" production team appears eager to facilitate a reunion. During the September 6 broadcast, as the cast discussed the group, the editors inserted a caption that read, "We will lay out the flower path and wait." The term "flower path" (kkot-gil) is a popular Korean idiom meaning a path of success, ease, and happiness—a direct contrast to the "muddy path" G-Dragon endured in 2015. This suggests that the production team is willing to tailor the show’s format to ensure the members’ comfort, moving away from the harsh physical challenges of the past.
Industry Implications of a BIGBANG Return
From a broadcasting perspective, a BIGBANG appearance on Running Man would likely result in a significant ratings spike. The show remains a powerhouse in international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and China, where BIGBANG’s fandom remains massive. For SBS, securing the group would be a major "get," signaling that the show remains the premier destination for A-list celebrities despite the rise of web-based variety content.
Analytically, the return of veteran "Second Generation" idols to mainstream variety shows has been a successful trend in recent years. Groups like Girls’ Generation and SHINee have made successful "full-group" appearances on various programs, tapping into the nostalgia of long-time fans while introducing themselves to a younger generation of K-pop listeners. A BIGBANG appearance would follow this trend, providing a bridge between the show’s storied past and its current iteration.
Moreover, the candid nature of Yoo Jae Suk and Haha’s comments reflects a broader trend in Korean entertainment where the "behind-the-scenes" struggles of idols are more openly discussed. By acknowledging that the 2015 filming was "intense" and "tough," the cast humanizes the idols and validates why they might be hesitant to return to a high-intensity environment. This transparency builds rapport with the audience and sets the stage for a guest appearance that is focused more on chemistry and humor than physical endurance.
Conclusion: A "Flower Path" Awaits
While no official confirmation has been made regarding a BIGBANG appearance, the public invitation by Yoo Jae Suk and Haha has reignited hope among fans. The revelation that G-Dragon’s "bad memories" were rooted in the sheer physical difficulty of the 2015 mudflat shoot provides a logical explanation for their long absence. However, with the show’s format having evolved into a more conversational and relaxed style, the barriers to their return appear to be lowering.
As the members of BIGBANG continue to pursue their individual and collective endeavors in 2024, the "flower path" promised by the Running Man production team remains open. Whether as a full group or as individual guests, their return to the show would mark a full-circle moment for one of the most significant relationships in the history of Korean variety television. For now, fans and the Running Man cast alike remain in a state of hopeful anticipation, waiting to see if the "Kings of K-pop" will finally return to the show that once put them through the mud.
