Shin Ki-ru conquers 'Running Man'; quips 'I mixed it up with Squid Game'

In the latest episode of the popular

Korean variety show

'Running Man', aired on August 17, 2025, comedian Shin Ki-ru brought her A-game as the first daughter-in-law in

Yoo Jae-suk

's fictional family. The theme was an "art world rivalry battle," pitting two mock families against each other in a series of quirky challenges. Shin Ki-ru, standing at 174cm and weighing 117kg, didn't hold back her enthusiasm, diving into role-playing with zest. When her on-screen husband Ji Seok-jin faced teasing, she boldly stepped up, saying, "Why are you doing that?" showcasing her protective "tough sister-in-law" vibe that had everyone cracking up. Even ditching her uncomfortable high heels mid-scene added to the chaos, turning the set into a laughter riot. Her quick wit shone when Kim Jong-kook from the rival team tried to stir trouble; Shin Ki-ru charged forward, yelling, "I'm the daughter-in-law!" making the opponents flinch in surprise.

Epic Eating Challenges and Witty Banter

The fun escalated during the first mission, where food became the battlefield. Spotting chicken, Shin Ki-ru's face lit up instantly. When teammate Ji Ye-eun eyed her share, Shin Ki-ru quipped, "That's rude, Ye-eun! This is your sister-in-law's chicken," fiercely guarding her "one person, one chicken" rule and sending viewers into fits of laughter. Despite muttering, "Chicken in the morning is a bit heavy," she polished it off with a sip of cola, proving her status as a mukbang (eating broadcast) fairy.Her chemistry with guest Seo Jang-hoon was spot-on - their sibling-like bickering had her advising, "Just ignore him if he talks too much," and later, "Pretend you didn't hear!" In a quiz segment, her quirky charm peaked when she blurted "Tteokbo" (rice cake boss?) for actor Lee Byung-hun's movie title, confusing everyone before admitting, "I mixed it up with 'Squid Game'!"

Physical Dominance in Wild Games

Shin Ki-ru's expressions were the highlight, especially in games that tested strength and strategy. In a rotating rail eating challenge, where teams stacked plates after devouring food, she declared, "I'm not a big eater, I'm a diverse eater," then demolished seven plates in a flash, embodying top-tier mukbang skills. When rivals tried toppling her stack, she body-blocked them heroically. Even after Seo Jang-hoon's shot knocked it down, she rebuilt it swiftly, clinching victory for her team. Post-game, she dashed back to snag more treats, earning her the nickname "laughter hunter." The human curling game was next-level hilarious - seated in a rubber basin, she cringed at Ji Seok-jin's cheesy cheers, saying, "That's gross!" and teased her pushing teammates, "Sorry, but don't grunt so much!" In a stunning moment, she overpowered Super Junior's Shin Dong (108kg) with just one foot, leaving everyone stunned.

Creative Finale and Lasting Impressions

The episode wrapped with a family portrait drawing task, where Shin Ki-ru's antics continued. Spotting Yoo Jae-suk's sketch of her as tiny, she joked, "How could you draw me house-sized?" sparking more laughs. Her unique art style? Dipping her feet in paint and stamping footprints on the canvas - a bizarre yet brilliant move that had the whole crew in hysterics. Overall, Shin Ki-ru's blend of raw power, quick humour, and unfiltered personality made this 'Running Man' episode a must-watch. According to industry reports from sources like Nielsen Korea, 'Running Man' consistently pulls in viewership ratings around 5-7% nationwide, reflecting its enduring popularity since 2010.

About Running Man

'Running Man' is a long-running South Korean variety show that premiered on SBS in 2010, featuring a fixed cast including Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Jong-kook, who participate in themed missions, games, and challenges often in urban settings. The show has gained global fame for its mix of physical comedy, teamwork, and celebrity guest appearances, with over 700 episodes aired to date.