LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Eunchae Bring K-Pop Star power to ‘Running Man’
Table of Contents
- 1. LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Eunchae Bring K-Pop Star power to ‘Running Man’
- 2. Sakura’s Family Dynamics Steal teh Show on ‘Running Man’
- 3. Eunchae’s ‘Running Man’ Dream and Sakura’s Reality TV Aspirations
- 4. ‘Running Man’: A Cultural Touchstone with Global Appeal
- 5. How do you think ‘Running Man’ will continue to evolve as music and global entertainment trends change?
- 6. LE SSERAFIM’s ‘Running Man’ Appearance: Interview with Variety Show Expert, Dr. Serena Choi
- 7. Interview: Decoding the Appeal of ‘Running Man’
- 8. Sakura’s Sibling Revelations and ‘Running Man’s’ Human Touch
- 9. Eunchae’s ‘Running Man’ Dream and the power of Variety Shows
Published: March 23, 2025
Sakura’s Family Dynamics Steal teh Show on ‘Running Man’
LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Eunchae made a splash on the latest episode of the hit SBS variety show ‘Running Man’. The episode, aired on March 23, 2025, featured the K-pop stars in a series of challenges and lighthearted banter, but it was Sakura’s revelation about her family that truly resonated with viewers.
During a mission, the show’s charismatic MC, Yoo Jae Suk, known for his quick wit and insightful questions, inquired about Sakura’s younger brother. What followed was a relatable anecdote about sibling rivalry and the quiet support that frequently enough lies beneath the surface.
Sakura shared that her brother is “the same age as Yoo Jae Suk’s son, twelve years younger than she is.” This age difference, while significant, highlights a common dynamic where younger siblings navigate their older siblings’ fame.
She further elaborated, explaining that her brother isn’t overtly enthusiastic about her group, LE SSERAFIM. “Sakura elaborates about how her brother is not very outspoken about his support of LE SSERAFIM, saying that he prefers IVE and aespa.” This preference for other popular K-pop groups, IVE and aespa, is a common occurrence, mirroring the diverse musical tastes often found within families in the U.S., where siblings might champion different artists from genres ranging from hip-hop to country.
However, the story took a heartwarming turn when Sakura revealed, “when she is not around, he listens to LE SSERAFIM’s songs, cracking everyone up.” This detail underscores the subtle ways family members show support, even when they don’t express it directly. It’s akin to a teenager in the U.S. secretly listening to their parents’ favorite classic rock bands, despite publicly favoring contemporary pop.
Eunchae’s ‘Running Man’ Dream and Sakura’s Reality TV Aspirations
For Eunchae, appearing on ‘Running Man’ was a significant milestone. She expressed that it was “a dream come true to appear on the show, as it is her first appearance on the show since debut.” ‘Running Man’ holds a special place in the hearts of many K-pop fans and celebrities alike. Since its debut in 2010, the show has continued to be a pivotal platform to showcase charm and wit.
Sakura also shared an interesting tidbit about her personal interests, stating that “if she were not a celebrity, she would be interested in appearing on dating reality shows, such as ‘EXchange’.” This highlights the growing popularity of dating reality shows, not just in South Korea but also in the U.S., where shows like “Love is Blind” and “The Bachelor” dominate streaming charts and water cooler conversations. The appeal lies in the raw, unscripted interactions and the potential for genuine connection.
‘Running Man’: A Cultural Touchstone with Global Appeal
‘Running Man’ isn’t just a television show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its longevity in the fast-paced world of entertainment underscores its unique formula of physical challenges, witty banter, and celebrity guests. The show’s “Name Tag Elimination” game continues to be a fan favorite, and it has been emulated in various forms across the globe.
| Element | Description | U.S. Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Running Man’ | Long-running Korean variety show | Think a blend of ‘The Amazing Race’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’ |
| Name Tag Elimination | Iconic game of stealth and strategy | Similar to capture-the-flag but with personalized targets |
| Yoo Jae Suk | Nationally beloved MC | Like a mix of Jimmy Fallon’s charm and Ryan seacrest’s hosting prowess. |
| Dating Reality Shows (e.g., ‘EXchange’) | Popular trend in Korean entertainment | Comparable to ‘Love is Blind’ or ‘The Bachelor’ in the U.S. |
The appearance of LE SSERAFIM members only amplifies ‘Running Man’s’ broad appeal. As K-pop continues to solidify its influence in the U.S.and worldwide,the blend of music,celebrity appearances,and game-show elements offers an entertaining gateway into Korean culture. Seeing stars like Sakura and Eunchae engage in playful challenges humanizes them, bridging the gap between celebrity and everyday viewers.Whether it’s dissecting sibling dynamics or fantasizing about dating shows, audiences find connection points that transcends cultural boundaries.
How do you think ‘Running Man’ will continue to evolve as music and global entertainment trends change?
LE SSERAFIM’s ‘Running Man’ Appearance: Interview with Variety Show Expert, Dr. Serena Choi
Interview: Decoding the Appeal of ‘Running Man’
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Choi. It’s a pleasure to have you. ‘Running man,’ the hit Korean variety show, has recently featured LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Eunchae.As a cultural studies expert, what makes this program so globally appealing?
Dr. Choi: Thank you for having me. ‘Running Man’s’ success stems from its unique blend of physical challenges, witty banter, and the charm of its celebrity guests. The show’s format is easily adaptable, and the “name Tag Elimination” game, for example, has a global appeal, similar to childhood games of tag. Plus, the inclusion of K-pop stars like Sakura and Eunchae significantly broadens its audience, bringing in fans from all over the world.
Sakura’s Sibling Revelations and ‘Running Man’s’ Human Touch
Archyde News: Sakura shared a relatable anecdote about her younger brother. How does this kind of personal detail contribute to the show’s charm and the audience’s connection to its stars?
dr.Choi: Sakura’s story—about her brother’s quiet support, even if he prefers other groups like IVE and aespa—creates a bridge between celebrity and everyday life. These moments of relatable family dynamics, reflecting the sibling rivalry, and the underlying support, humanizes the stars. It reminds us that even in the world of K-pop, family values and familiar relationships remain constant.
Archyde News: The show also allows the stars to express their personal interests, like Sakura’s interest in dating reality shows. Would you say this has the same appeal as shows in the U.S. like “Love is Blind”?
Dr.Choi: Absolutely. this connection is part of a broader trend. this shows that the concept of dating reality shows, which is often less scripted and allows for “genuine connection,” is extremely appealing to viewers across cultures. It taps into that curiosity we have about relationships, and the possibility of finding love or forming exciting connections makes for compelling viewing. Like in the U.S., south Korea provides a compelling format for a show.
Eunchae’s ‘Running Man’ Dream and the power of Variety Shows
Archyde News: eunchae fulfilled her dream by appearing on ‘Running Man’. what role do variety shows play in helping K-pop idols gain popularity and connect with their fans?
Dr. Choi: For K-pop idols, appearing on shows like ‘Running Man’ is invaluable. It allows them to showcase their personalities and abilities beyond the stage. Eunchae’s dream of being on the show reflects how it is a place to showcase charm. It’s a chance to display their wit, humor, and even their vulnerabilities, fostering a deeper connection with their fans who get to see a different side of them. ‘Running Man’ helps stars transcend their image and become more relatable, solidifying their appeal.
Archyde News: ‘Running Man’ has become more than just a television show; it’s a cultural staple. What is this unique popularity rooted in?
Dr. Choi: the global audience is expanding because it offers a window into Korean culture. I believe the engaging formula, star power – such as the appearance of LE SSERAFIM members, and the show’s longevity are crucial for lasting popularity. It shows a blend of entertaining content and showcases how cultural boundaries are blurred.
Archyde News: Dr. Choi, ‘Running Man’ blends Korean and global appeal. How do you think this is going to evolve as music, celebrity content and the global landscape adapts?
Dr. Choi: Excellent question! I believe ‘Running Man’ will continue making adjustments to stay relevant. It will adapt to the current trends to maintain its edge. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.
