On the 23rd, PD Choi Hyung In of SBS's popular entertainment show 'Running Man' spoke with OSEN in a phone interview about Ji Ye Eun's confirmed addition as a new member, announced the day before.

During the interview, PD Choi Hyung In clarified, "We didn’t use the term 'official member' in the subtitles. She joined naturally." He added, "If you watch the show, there are many comments asking, 'Is Ji Ye Eun a fixed member or not?' and many viewers are curious. I think it’s okay to consider this a long-term arrangement, so you can think of Ye Eun as a member now."

Previously, Jeon So Min departed from 'Running Man' after her final broadcast in November last year. Following her departure, Song Ji Hyo remained the sole female cast member until Ji Ye Eun joined as a regular member one year later.

Ji Ye Eun's performance since joining the cast this year has been remarkable. While expectations are high for the chemistry among the members, PD Choi Hyung In shared his enthusiasm for Ji Ye Eun’s future on the show. He remarked, "Ji Ye Eun gets along well with all the members, like Haha, Ji Suk Jin, and Yang Se Chan. It would be fun if Kim Jong Kook or Song Ji Hyo joined in more interactions with her as well."

In addition to Ji Ye Eun's fixed role, interest is growing in whether Kang Hoon, who has been active as a 'rental member,' will also become a regular. PD Choi Hyung In explained, "The reason we started the rental member system was because some people couldn’t commit to being fixed members due to their busy schedules. We think of them as family and welcome them whenever they’re available."

He emphasized, "The rental system doesn’t end just because Ji Ye Eun joined. If there are others we want to see more of, we’ll bring them in through the rental system." Regarding Kang Hoon, he said, "We hope he can appear whenever his schedule allows. It would be great if he could participate more regularly, and that’s why he started as a rental member."

PD Choi Hyung In concluded by saying, "There’s something I really want to emphasize: I hope everyone takes good care of Ji Ye Eun. I heard she reads all the comments, so please leave positive feedback and show her lots of support."

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