'Running Man' sparks a debate with controversial reenactment of 'Inside Men' toast scene

A recent episode of the popular SBS entertainment show 'Running Man' has sparked a heated debate among netizens due to its controversial reenactment of a scene from the movie 'Inside Men.' 

The episode, which aired on August 6 as part of a summer vacation special, featured the show's cast members sharing a toast with cups of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) and their own dishes.

During the episode, the cast members gathered on a bench to enjoy a relaxed moment together. 

Jeon So Min initiated a toast proposal in a playful turn of events, inviting HaHa to lead the gesture. 

HaHa humorously exclaimed, "It's good, it's good, it's good, young~cha!" prompting laughter. 

Yang Se Chan playfully suggested that they stand up for the toast, which led to an amusing sequence where Yang Se Chan, HaHa, Song Ji Hyo, and Jeon So Min stood and echoed the phrase "It's good." The lighthearted toast culminated with a collective exclamation of 'Youngcha.' 

After the toast, Yang Se Chan laughed and noted that this kind of gesture is typically reserved for men, prompting a witty response from Haha. Haha shared, "That's why we didn't do this," and playfully twisted his lower body. 

Jeon So Min added an extra layer of fun by exclaiming, "I'll try it!" attempting the gesture herself, despite the other members telling her not to.

This scene parallels a moment in the movie 'Inside Men,' where a corrupt politician indulges in a similar toast while creating an alcohol mixture. The gesture came from the politicians' ritual of tipping over a shot glass into a larger liquor glass using their genitals.

The 'Running Man' scene gained traction on YouTube channels and social media platforms, particularly because it resembled the questionable scene in 'Inside Men.' This specific scene had become viral, and recreating the scene became a trend on social media. Various videos showcasing young individuals emulating the scene during drinking parties surfaced on platforms like reels and shorts, generating significant attention.

Nevertheless, there was a clear divide between netizens' reactions to the 'Running Man' scene. 

While some viewed it as harmless fun in line with current trends on YouTube and social media, others criticized the scene for being inappropriate for mainstream entertainment. Negative comments expressed concern over the perceived vulgarity of the gesture, particularly in a show that caters to a wide audience, including young elementary school students.

Critics questioned the decision to incorporate the controversial scene, citing the contrast between the source material's mature content and the show's broader viewership. They questioned the production team's choice to air the scene without editing or consideration for its potential impact.

On the other hand, some netizens defended the scene as a lighthearted interpretation of a popular meme. They argued that it was in line with current trends and noted its prevalence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Some comments highlighted that trends evolve quickly, and the scene's playful nature could be appreciated in that context.