Running Man's Ji Ye-eun Breaks Down in Tears During 'Big Swing' Penalty Due to Acrophobia, Halting Filming

Actress Ji Ye-eun, a cast member of the long-running SBS variety show ‘Running Man’, was recently seen in tears after being unable to complete a penalty due to her acrophobia. According to reports on the 21st, Ji faced a situation where she could not continue filming as she expressed extreme fear ahead of the show’s ‘Big Swing’ penalty.

According to local media and the broadcast, Ji Ye-eun refused to board the ‘Big Swing’ facility, which boasts the highest height in the country. Suffering from a fear of heights, she felt immense psychological pressure from the environment and eventually confessed to the production team, saying, “I really don’t think I can do it.”

During this process, Ji was unable to control her emotions and burst into tears, creating a tense atmosphere on set. Although her fellow cast members comforted and encouraged her, her fear reached a breaking point, and she ultimately decided to give up on the penalty. Despite the fact that penalties are a staple of variety shows, this was an exceptional case where filming was halted to prioritize the performer’s health and psychological state.

This incident has renewed public interest in the physical and psychological limits faced by performers on variety shows. It suggests a shift in production culture, moving away from the past practice of demanding unreasonable challenges and toward prioritizing the safety and psychological stability of the cast. While Ji’s tears saddened viewers, many also praised her honesty as a display of her human charm.

Since joining ‘Running Man’, Ji Ye-eun has been beloved by viewers for her unique sense of humor and honest character. This incident remains a testament to her authentic personality. The production team stated that while they monitored her condition closely, they had to halt filming due to the unexpected symptoms of her phobia.

For global K-content fans, this episode serves as an example of how variety shows create emotional connections between performers and viewers beyond simple laughter. The production team’s decision to air her struggles without editing them out emphasized the sincerity of the reality show. Ji’s failed challenge raises a new conversation about how performers overcome and communicate their psychological barriers.

Ultimately, this ‘Running Man’ episode serves as a reminder of the importance of a safe and healthy production environment in K-Variety. Ji’s honest expression of emotion resonated with many fans, who are now offering their support and looking forward to her future appearances on the show. Global viewers are forming deeper bonds with the cast through these moments of raw reality.