Kang Hoon returns to Running Man as guest — not a member — alongside '최애의 사원' co-stars

Kang Hoon is back on Running Man — this time as a guest.

The SBS variety show airs July 26 with the three leads of drama 최애의 사원 (Kang Hoon, Kim Hye-jun, Cha Woo-min) appearing together. He was a temporary member from May to July 2024. When exit rumors surfaced back then, the production team said, "We plan to work together anytime." Now he's returned, just not as a member.

Kim Hye-jun hasn't been on the show in seven years. Cha Woo-min is tackling variety for the first time. He's been active in multiple sports since childhood, including swimming.

The race segment is titled '목표는, 최애 사원' (Goal: Favorite Employee). Cast and members become employees of a trading company. Team leader Yoo Jae-suk distributes bonus gold bars from the company president to the members. (A gold bar economy on a variety show — very on-brand for 2026.)