Jung Eun-chae sheds elegant image for slapstick comedy on 'Running Man'

Is she really a variety show novice? Actress Jung Eun-chae is set to captivate 'Running Man' with a charm that is 180 degrees different from the calm and elegant image she has portrayed in the past. She is expected to display skills that belie her newcomer status, throwing herself into the action to save balls and even attempting breakdancing just to secure a meal.

In the SBS 'Running Man' episode airing August 2, the 'Undercover Chaebol vs. Detective' race will unfold. Members are divided into a Chaebol team and a Detective team to find the spy hidden within each group. The Chaebol team aims to protect the money bag and ensure the chairman's escape, while the Detective team engages in a fierce psychological battle to arrest him.

The first mission, 'Blabbermouth Jokgu' (foot volleyball), provided hints regarding the teams' spies. Under a unique rule where points are deducted for using any English, the members even wore self-imposed gags to participate in the match.

However, the members' absurd explanations caused even more laughter than the match itself. After accidentally using English words, Yoo Jae Suk and Yang Se-chan drove the scene into fits of laughter by employing forced logic, claiming they were actually using Chinese characters like "person" (人) or "benevolence" (仁).

Ahn Bo-hyun, known as a physical powerhouse, also showed unexpected clumsiness. He revealed a side far removed from his usual strong image, missing crucial kicks or heading the ball in the wrong direction at decisive moments.

Kang Sang-jun also added to the hilarity, presenting a parade of missed kicks that reminded viewers of Kim Jong-kook, the synonym for clumsy footwork.

Meanwhile, Jung caught everyone's attention with her unexpected competitive spirit. She showed true fighting spirit, throwing her entire body to head the ball without hesitation. Seeing this, Yoo Jae Suk could not hide his surprise, remarking, "I thought this was a Whac-A-Mole game." Unlike the sophisticated and cool image she usually portrays in her works, Jung's willingness to throw herself into the fray for victory is expected to provide a fresh kind of entertainment for viewers.

After failing the lunch mission, Jung challenged a clumsy breakdancing routine alongside Kim Shin-bi to earn a meal. The sight of the two choosing food over dignity turned the set into a sea of laughter.

Kim Shin-bi revealed she is from Anyang and was instantly recognized by Kim Jong-kook as an 'Anyang younger sibling.' When Kang revealed he is an alumnus of Anyang Arts High School, Kim Jong-kook used his signature wit to draw a line, joking, "She's an international student here." In this episode, unpredictable performances from the guests will unfold alongside a psychological battle so intense that viewers will wonder how many spies are actually in play.

Meanwhile, Ahn Bo-hyun, Jung Eun-chae, Kang Sang-jun, and Kim Shin-bi are the cast members of the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Flex X Cop,' which is scheduled to premiere on August 7. The series is a lighthearted investigative drama about Jin Yi-soo, a chaebol detective who tries to solve everything with money, and Ju Hye-ra, a principled detective.

Attention is now focused on whether Jung can prove her hidden variety skills through 'Running Man,' moving beyond her reputation as an 'atmospheric actress.'