Song Ji-hyo Shakes Off Running Man Drama With Fiery SNL Korea Host Debut

Song Ji-hyo has vowed to deliver her best performance yet on SNL Korea, stepping up as the show's third host on Saturday evening with what she calls a fierce competitive edge. The move comes as the actress and variety star navigates recent criticism over her perceived lack of presence on the long-running show Running Man, where she faced backlash from viewers for appearing like mere set dressing rather than an active participant.

SNL Korea, the Coupang Play original comedy series that airs every Saturday, has established itself as South Korea's top comedy platform since its debut. The show pairs celebrity hosts with a talented crew of comedians to deliver sharp, audacious sketches, and it's been racking up impressive viewership numbers and trend-chart dominance week after week.

In her hosting episode, Song Ji-hyo demonstrated her commitment by participating in every corner available. The released stills show her commanding presence across multiple segments: opening in an elegant black dress, then pivoting to exaggerated comedic character work that maximizes the absurdity of each sketch. Notably, she engages in a face-off moment with fellow crew member Ji Ye-eun, both trading on their looks in a playful competitive moment. In the popular "Smile Clinic" corner, Song Ji-hyo transforms into an unfiltered, candid celebrity in need of serious self-care advice, unleashing sharp banter and charisma in a way that promises to shake up the live comedy stage.

The episode also features SNL Korea's signature blend of razor-sharp satire and biting one-liners, with additional color from the show's newer four-member crew, An Ju-mi, Lee A-ra, Jung Chang-hwan, and Jung Hee-su, whose fresh comedic energy has become a reliable draw each week.

Song Ji-hyo's hosting episode airs Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. on Coupang Play, available to both paid WOW members and free users. In-studio audience spots can be reserved through the Coupang Play app.