Episode 37
Episode 37: First Variety Show
“Running People,” led by the national MC Yoo Hyuk, was a long-running variety show that enjoyed global popularity not only in Korea but also across Southeast Asia.
Since “Ciginy Plus,” which would release ‘The Killer’s Shopping Mall,’ was a global OTT platform, there was no better promotional program than this.
"Seung-chan."
Inside the car on the way to the filming location, Team Leader Kim Seong-ho spoke.
"Don’t overdo it. If you get injured, it’ll be a big problem."
"Yes, I’ll be careful."
As the title suggested, “Running People” involved many physically demanding games.
Injuries weren’t uncommon.
So Baek Seung-chan planned to take it easy—at least initially.
A short while later, he arrived at the set.
Even at the early hour, one cast member was already there.
It was Yoo Hyuk, the main MC.
"Hello, sir."
"Seung-chan, you’re early. Nice to meet you, I’m Yoo Hyuk."
He greeted him warmly while chatting with the PD.
"I really enjoyed ‘The Outcast Legend.’ Your acting was incredible."
"Thank you. Please feel free to speak casually."
"Alright then, I’ll do that."
Yoo Hyuk immediately dropped formal speech and began chatting comfortably.
"You're a complete rookie, right? Not nervous?"
"No, I’m fine."
"That’s good. I was really nervous back then."
His mouth never stopped moving.
True to his title as a national MC, even simple stories were entertaining.
It reminded Baek Seung-chan of a storyteller from his past life.
"This guy’s already cornered someone and started talking again."
Soon, popular singer Kim Guk-jong arrived.
"What do you mean cornered? We’re just talking."
The two bickered naturally, just like on TV.
"You know Seung-chan, right?"
"Of course. I loved ‘The Outcast Legend.’"
"Hello."
"Nice to meet you."
Kim Guk-jong greeted him warmly.
"Huh?"
While shaking hands, Kim Guk-jong’s eyes widened.
"You’re pretty solid. Do you work out?"
"Not professionally. I just hike every morning."
"That’s great."
He looked pleased.
Baek Seung-chan, however, was slightly surprised.
‘He’s even more impressive in person.’
The rough calluses, the dense muscles—
He looked more like a martial artist than a singer.
"Feel free to speak casually."
"Really? Then I will."
"If you’re interested in training, contact me. You could even appear on my YouTube."
Kim Guk-jong seemed to like him.
Soon, the rest of the cast arrived, including Kang Dong-wook and Kim Ga-hee.
Filming began.
"Today’s guests are Kang Dong-wook, Kim Ga-hee, and Baek Seung-chan from ‘The Killer’s Shopping Mall.’"
Yoo Hyuk started with introductions and light interviews.
With just a few words, he created a lively atmosphere.
"What’s today’s game?"
"Today’s theme is ‘Find the Killer.’"
The PD explained.
Among ten participants, eight were citizens and two were killers.
If the killers eliminated all citizens within three rounds, they won.
Otherwise, they lost.
Essentially, a modified mafia game.
"The winning team gets a gold key."
"Gold?"
"I’m definitely winning!"
The cast grew excited.
Baek Seung-chan too.
‘Gold? I have to win.’
His earlier plan to take it easy disappeared instantly.
They began drawing roles.
"I want to be the killer," Kang Dong-wook said.
"What about you, Seung-chan?"
"I want to be a citizen."
Citizens had the advantage.
And his goal was victory.
When his turn came, he picked a card.
"…"
His expression tightened.
It was a killer card.
‘Unlucky… but fine.’
Then a staff member handed him a mission card.
“Get first place in Round 1.”
If successful, he could eliminate one citizen.
He walked out calmly.
"That expression looks suspicious."
"Here he goes again!"
Kim Guk-jong was already accusing someone.
He always relied on instinct.
And he was right.
The other killer was Ha Hoon.
‘Sharp instincts.’
Baek Seung-chan observed quietly.
They moved to the set for the first game.
"What’s the first game?"
"A random breakfast race."
To complete the course, they had to pick three random items:
Shoes, food, and drink.
Some were good, others terrible.
"Why not just give us food?"
"I still have nightmares from last time!"
The cast complained jokingly.
Except Kim Guk-jong.
"I love this."
He had incredible endurance.
"This guy’s insane!"
The PD smiled.
"Don’t worry. This time, it’s worse."
Groans filled the set.
The race began.
Ji Seok-jun went first.
"What is this?!"
He got high heels.
Struggling, he moved forward.
Next—
A steamed bun filled with spicy sauce.
"Water!"
"You have to finish it."
Then—
Salted rice drink.
"Ugh! Salt?!"
Three unlucky picks in a row.
The cast laughed nonstop.
Others followed with mixed results.
Kim Guk-jong got lucky—
Slippers, cold noodles, soda.
He took first place.
Now it was Baek Seung-chan’s turn.
"You have to beat him!"
He stepped forward.
"…"
The moment he opened the first box—
The cast’s expressions darkened.
Kim Guk-jong grinned.
Inside was—
A pair of acupressure slippers made of stone.