On the evening of May 17, 2026, the popular SBS variety show Running Man welcomed a familiar face back to its lineup: actor Gong Myung, whose recent transformation and family revelations quickly became the talk of the episode. Gong Myung, currently starring in the hit drama Secret Appreciation, brought an energy to the set that both surprised and delighted the regular cast and viewers alike.
From the moment Gong Myung stepped onto the stage, his noticeably bulked-up physique drew immediate attention. The cast members, including Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Ji Suk-jin, Song Ji-hyo, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun, could hardly contain their amazement. Kim Jong-kook, known for his own athletic build, was particularly impressed, exclaiming, "You really worked out a lot!" according to TV Daily. Haha even joked, "I didn’t recognize you at first," underscoring just how dramatic Gong Myung’s transformation was.
Gong Myung explained that the reason for his new look was professional rather than personal. "There’s a topless scene in my drama, so I worked hard to get in shape," he said, as reported by Xportsnews. The drama in question, Secret Appreciation, has been making waves for its suspenseful plot and high ratings. Gong Myung plays Noh Gi-jun, an ace investigator who finds himself demoted to managing internal scandals, opposite Shin Hye-sun’s charismatic chief Jo In-ah. The show’s success has not only kept viewers glued to their screens but also pushed Gong Myung to commit to an intense fitness regimen.
The camaraderie between Gong Myung and the Running Man cast was evident throughout the episode. Yoo Jae-suk, ever the attentive host, impressed Gong Myung by demonstrating detailed knowledge about his drama role. Touched by the gesture, Gong Myung offered Yoo a heartfelt hug, saying, "You really watched it?" The lighthearted banter continued as Haha teased Gong Myung to show off his physique on the show, joking, "Don’t just take your shirt off in the drama, do it here too!" Yoo Jae-suk quickly retorted, "You taking off your pants isn’t even newsworthy anymore," drawing laughter from everyone present, as detailed by Sports Chosun.
But it wasn’t just Gong Myung’s physical transformation that captured attention. The conversation soon turned to his family, specifically his younger brother, Doyoung, a member of the globally popular K-pop group NCT. The revelation added another layer to the episode, as the cast eagerly inquired about the dynamics between the two brothers. When Ji Suk-jin asked, "Who earns more, you or your brother?" Gong Myung didn’t hesitate. "Oh, my brother for sure. He’s doing so well these days," he admitted candidly, according to TV Report.
Gong Myung’s honesty brought a wave of good-natured teasing from the cast. He revealed an amusing family secret: "In our family, we call Doyoung ‘the CEO.’ When he comes home, we greet him with, ‘Has the CEO arrived?’" The playful nickname reflects the pride and humor within the family, acknowledging Doyoung’s financial success and growing fame. Gong Myung’s willingness to share these personal anecdotes endeared him further to both the cast and the audience.
The episode also showcased the signature Running Man mission, the high-stakes "name tag ripping" challenge, which returned after a long hiatus. This time, the contest was structured as a series of 1:1 matches, heightening the suspense. Gong Myung, brimming with confidence, faced off against veteran cast member Haha. Before the match began, Gong Myung quipped, "Can I finish this quickly?" and even kicked off his shoes, signaling his readiness and competitive spirit. The ensuing contest was a blend of strategy, physicality, and pure entertainment, with both participants giving it their all. According to bntnews, the unpredictability of the matches—especially Ji Ye-eun’s unexpected tactics—kept everyone on their toes and the audience thoroughly entertained.
Another highlight of the episode was the "payment race"—a challenge where participants had to spend the maximum amount within a limited budget. The tension and excitement of the game, combined with Gong Myung’s enthusiastic participation, added a fresh dynamic to the show. The episode, which aired at 6:10 PM, was widely anticipated not only because of Gong Myung’s guest appearance but also due to the ongoing speculation about his potential future on Running Man. As Sports Chosun noted, Gong Myung has previously expressed interest in becoming a "rental member" of the show, even making an impromptu call to the production team during a recent appearance on Kim Jong-kook’s YouTube channel. This openness has fueled rumors that he may join the cast more regularly, a prospect that has fans buzzing.
Throughout the episode, Gong Myung’s natural comedic timing and rapport with the cast were on full display. From his playful banter to his willingness to poke fun at himself and share stories about his family, he demonstrated the kind of "variety sense"—a mix of humor, humility, and relatability—that makes for memorable television. The cast, recognizing his talent, didn’t hesitate to extend their own lighthearted invitations for him to become a more permanent fixture on the show.
Meanwhile, the episode also touched on other pop culture moments, such as Yoo Jae-suk’s cameo in Yoon Jong-shin’s new music video, which was highlighted by the production team. This segment sparked a round of nostalgia and jokes about Yoo’s school days, with the cast ribbing each other over old photos and AI-generated images. It was all part of the show’s trademark blend of humor, competition, and genuine camaraderie.
In the end, Gong Myung’s appearance on Running Man was more than just a guest spot—it was a showcase of his growth as an entertainer and a heartfelt look at the bonds that tie his family together. With his drama Secret Appreciation soaring in the ratings and his variety show skills on full display, Gong Myung’s star continues to rise. And as for Doyoung, the "CEO" of the family, it seems the sibling rivalry is all in good fun—a testament to the warmth and humor that define both brothers, on and off the screen.