'Running Man' adds 10 minutes as Kim Jong Kook reveals marriage on air

The headline moment

'Running Man' extends the episode by 10 minutes to foreground Kim Jong Kook's on-air marriage announcement, elevating a core cast member's life milestone to must-watch status. Kim's recent handwritten announcement primed strong fan interest, and placing the update inside the flagship Sunday tentpole turns online momentum into immediate linear tune-in.

Why a 10‑minute stretch

Ten extra minutes for a single-person segment is unusual in weekly variety, but the network has a track record of agile Sunday scheduling, including moving 'Running Man' into the 6 p.m. hour to optimize reach. Treating the reveal as event television serves both audience and brand: it concentrates fandom attention, preserves continuity for a 15-year franchise, and justifies a one-off extension without disrupting the show's competitive Sunday block. With a high-profile figure at a 30th-debut-year juncture, the decision leverages cultural relevance while reinforcing SBS's responsiveness to moments that resonate beyond entertainment pages.

From letter to broadcast

Kim Jong Kook shared plans in mid-August via a handwritten note, indicating a private ceremony in Seoul with close attendees and keeping his partner's identity off record. Communications around the announcement highlighted gratitude to supporters and a steady commitment to ongoing work, aligning the personal milestone with a career defined by consistency and public trust. The televised segment consolidates the timeline, establishing an on-record chapter within the program most associated with his contemporary public persona.

About Running Man

Launched in 2010, the Sunday variety series is one of Korea's longest-running entertainment franchises, known for mission-driven races and broad overseas fandom. In recent years, it aligned with the 6 p.m. hour to expand demographic reach while competing in a crowded Sunday lineup. The ensemble format and evolving game design have anchored its longevity and cross-border appeal throughout its 15th anniversary year.