The long-running Korean variety show ‘Running Man’ aired its latest episode on the 23rd, featuring actors Ahn Eun-jin and Kim Moo-jun as guests to promote their new drama ‘A Killer Paradox’ (literal translation: ‘One Kiss Explodes’). The production team arranged a “kissing game” mirroring the drama's title, but the segment drew controversy, with viewers pointing out it was “inappropriate and sexually suggestive.”
The game’s rules dictated that a selected participant must receive kisses while blindfolded, then use clues like lip sensation, scent, or which part was kissed to guess the identity of the kisser. In the game, Yang Se-chan was picked as the “receiver,” while Ahn Eun-jin became the “kissing mafia.” Before the game began, Yang Se-chan commented, “If Eun-jin is chosen, it might be difficult for her.” Kim Jong-kook jokingly added, “But not necessarily, she’s an actress—maybe she’ll treat this as acting.” Unexpectedly, Yang Se-chan followed with, “Then of course, I’d be grateful—wouldn’t that be great?”
After Ahn Eun-jin completed the move, Yang Se-chan said, “Oh? Was that her?” Haha then commented, “Maybe you need another kiss to be sure?” On hearing this, Yang Se-chan suddenly leaned back and pushed his face toward Ahn Eun-jin, saying, “Kiss here this time!” This startled Ahn Eun-jin, who exclaimed, “I can’t do it!” After the episode aired, many viewers slammed the entire segment as “public sexual harassment.” Even the corresponding clip uploaded to YouTube was titled “It really feels like The Love,” intensifying backlash. Netizens criticized the show: “The producers knew the content was disgusting yet insist on using such a title—are they mocking viewers?” The show makers have yet to issue a formal response, and the controversy continues to simmer.
Source: ETtoday Starlight Cloud