SBS variety show "Running Man" sets up their toughest member Kim Jong Kook on a real blind date. Its recent episode on Jan. 15 features a non-showbiz woman on a date with Jong Kook, while other "Running Man" members help him win challenges to score a perfect date.
According to Soompi, last Monday's "Running Man" episode was the second part of "Member Week Special," while this week's theme was "Let's Send Our Tiger Off to Marriage."
Jong Kook's love life had always been a subject of teasing among members of the show. Thus, it was no surprise for the "Running Man" members and staff to take participation in this week special event.
According to Soompi, each phase of Jong Kook's blind date posed a challenge for either him or the "Running Man" members to complete. Each win determined important factors of the date, such as the type of car he'd use to pick up his date, the food they'll eat and where to end the blind date.
As revealed in the episode, the 40-year-old's date was a non-celebrity named Jung So Young who works as a CPA and is 12 years younger than him.
Upon seeing his date, the usually dominating and competitive Jong Kook became caring and turned into a gentleman. Korea Portal even described Jong Kook as "perfect soft-spoken gentleman" who worried about his date. "She stirred up a protective instinct within me. I want to protect her. I want to keep her safe," Jong Kook said.
On the other hand, So Young was "impressed" by his "gentle character." "He's very different from what I thought. I didn't really know much about him, but I was surprised at how deeply thoughtful he was, and I think I really want to get to know him," she said.
Last Monday's episode also introduced the viewers to Jong Kook's older brother, who gave a surprise visit and observed the date along with other "Running Man" members. The show's Jong Kook episode ended on a positive note, with Jung So Young agreeing on a second date with "Running Man's" Sparta Commander.
Prior to Jong Kook, the first part of the "Member Week Special" was dedicated to "Running Man's" only female member Song Ji Hyo which aired on Jan. 8, according to a separate report by Soompi.
Watch Jong Kook serenade his date while on a cruise on last Monday's episode of "Running Man".