On the evening of March 29, 2026, the long-running SBS variety show Running Man aired an episode that had viewers talking for all the right reasons. The episode, titled “You Must Want to Eat,” was a whirlwind of fierce food competitions, playful romantic banter, and the kind of unpredictable energy that has kept the show fresh for years. With celebrated singer Sung Si-kyung and BTOB’s Lee Chang-sub joining the regular cast, the episode delivered a memorable blend of culinary showdowns and unexpected love lines, leaving fans eagerly dissecting every moment.
From the outset, the premise was set: a high-stakes 'mukbang' (eating show) race, in which members and guests vied for the coveted title of '먹짱'—the best eater. According to The CEN News, the episode kicked off by revealing the results of a prior seafood market mission, setting the stage for a series of food-related challenges that would test not just appetites but also wit and strategy. The menu, meticulously curated, featured everything from hearty seolleongtang (ox bone soup) and nostalgic snack bar treats to trendy desserts favored by the younger generation. The cast even made a stop at Seoul’s iconic Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market, renowned for its fresh sashimi, seafood pancakes, abalone porridge, and more, as reported by TopStarNews.
But it wasn’t just the food that had viewers salivating. The competitive spirit was palpable, with each member determined to claim at least a single bite of the mouthwatering dishes on offer. The psychological battles and strategic alliances unfolded in real time, as members plotted, negotiated, and occasionally sabotaged each other to secure their share. As EPN엔피나우 described, the atmosphere was electric, with Song Ji-hyo—nicknamed 'Dam Ji-hyo'—displaying relentless determination, even brushing off injuries to pursue her culinary goals. The cast’s reactions ranged from admiration to outright astonishment at the levels of commitment on display.
Yet, amidst the chaos of the food race, it was the episode’s romantic subplots that truly stole the show. Sung Si-kyung, often dubbed the 'ear boyfriend' for his soothing vocals, found himself at the center of an unexpected love line with actress Ji Ye-eun. During a meal, the conversation took a playful turn when Ji Ye-eun candidly confessed, “I really liked Sung Si-kyung sunbaenim since my school days. He was the ideal type for women.” When pressed by other members about whether she’d date him, she didn’t hesitate: “Of course, I would.” Sung Si-kyung, not missing a beat, responded with a grin, “Let’s date for a while,” prompting laughter and light-hearted teasing from the rest of the cast. XportsNews highlighted how this exchange brought a blush to Ji Ye-eun’s cheeks and set the studio abuzz.
The playful romance didn’t stop there. Lee Chang-sub, making his Running Man debut, was drawn into his own comedic entanglement with regular member Song Ji-hyo. After admitting he liked older women, Song Ji-hyo boldly asked, “Do you want to date me?” Chang-sub, caught off guard but game, replied, “Yes.” When asked if a ten-year age gap was an issue, he added, “It’s fine because you’re a noona.” The moment was met with cheers and laughter, with Sung Si-kyung joking about Song Ji-hyo’s intense gaze being the real reason for Chang-sub’s quick agreement. As OSEN reported, the cast reveled in the chaos, with Haha quipping, “Today, everyone’s getting a boyfriend or girlfriend!”
Of course, Running Man wouldn’t be complete without its signature blend of humor, camaraderie, and unpredictable twists. The episode also featured a special live performance by Sung Si-kyung and Lee Chang-sub, transforming the set into an impromptu concert hall and giving the cast a rare moment of calm amid the culinary chaos. According to EPN엔피나우, this “ear-pleasing” interlude was a highlight, with members visibly moved by the duo’s vocals.
The action then shifted to the toy district for the final mission, where an unexpected interference threw even the unflappable Yoo Jae-suk off his game. The mission’s chaos tested the cast’s ability to adapt under pressure, and viewers were left wondering who would ultimately claim the '먹짱' crown. The answer, of course, was revealed in the episode’s closing moments, which aired at 6:10 PM KST, as is tradition for the show.
Behind the scenes, the episode also offered glimpses into the personalities of its star guests. Sung Si-kyung, known not just for his music but also for his discerning palate, shared an amusing anecdote about spending 600,000 KRW over two months on flatfish—a testament to his reputation as a true gourmet. He even revealed elements of his diet plan, sparking curiosity among viewers about how he balances his love of food with maintaining his health. Lee Chang-sub, for his part, quickly established a rapport with the cast, displaying a side of himself that surprised even longtime fans. As Haha observed, “He’s completely different after just ten minutes!”
Throughout the episode, the cast’s visits to various culinary hotspots—like the Noryangjin Fisheries Market and beloved snack bars—offered a tantalizing tour of Seoul’s food scene. The market itself, as TopStarNews explained, is famous for its system where diners select their seafood from the market stalls and have it prepared on-site, paying only for preparation and side dishes. From spicy fish stew to seafood ramen, the array of options reflected the city’s rich culinary diversity.
What made this episode stand out wasn’t just the food or the flirtation, but the way the show managed to weave together competition, humor, and genuine connection. The playful teasing, heartfelt confessions, and moments of camaraderie reminded viewers why Running Man continues to resonate after so many years on air. As the credits rolled, fans were left satisfied—both by the feast on screen and the joy of seeing their favorite stars let loose in ways both silly and sincere.
For a show that thrives on unpredictability, this episode proved that sometimes, the best recipe is a generous helping of laughter, a dash of romance, and a table full of good food shared among friends.