Ji Ye Eun Returns to Running Man in Tears of Joy

Ji Ye Eun returned to Running Man this week.
She cried tears of joy upon her comeback.
Her voice is still recovering from her illness.

The world of variety television felt a little more complete this week as actress Ji Ye Eun, the beloved youngest member of SBS's "Running Man," made her heartfelt return to the program. After a three-week hiatus dedicated to addressing her health, her comeback was one of the most anticipated moments for the cast and viewers alike.

The episode, which aired on November 2nd, was structured as a 'Running Man Weekly Keyword' special, and it was no surprise that one of the central topics of discussion was "Ji Ye Eun's Return." The cast members, showing their deep familial bond, decided to celebrate not just with words, but with a feast, taking on a mission to prepare the very foods she had been craving during her recovery.

However, the overwhelming wave of emotions from the warm welcome proved to be too much for the actress, turning a moment of celebration into a deeply touching scene. Why did this happy occasion bring her to tears? Let's take a closer look at the heartfelt moments that unfolded on the show.

Ji Ye Eun Breaks Down in Tears During Her Comeback Moment

Ji Ye Eun has officially resumed her activities as a "Running Man" member, appearing on the latest episode after a temporary break to focus on recovering from a diagnosed thyroid condition. Her presence immediately shifted the dynamic, with all the members showering her with visible affection and concern.

The legendary MC Yoo Jae Suk, often considered the father figure of the group, immediately fussed over her, encouraging her to eat well to regain her strength.

The conversation began light-heartedly, with Yoo Jae Suk joking about her appetite.

"Ye Eun eats a lot," he said with a worried laugh.

When asked what she wanted to eat, Ji Ye Eun listed off a series of cravings.

"I want to eat sashimi, gomtang (beef bone soup), yangjangpi (a mixed noodle dish), Peking duck, tiramisu, an iced cafe latte, and gelato too."

To which Yoo Jae Suk hilariously retorted, "You better narrow that down to three while I'm still being nice," sparking laughter across the set.

Sitting before the specially prepared meal of gomtang, sashimi, yangjangpi, and an iced latte, Ji Ye Eun smiled gratefully and even shared a small update on her post-illness life.

"Thank you. After being sick, my taste in food changed," Ji Ye Eun replied.

But when the veteran member Ji Suk Jin turned the conversation to her feelings about returning, the atmosphere shifted from cheerful to deeply emotional. He asked, "How does it feel to be back after three weeks?"

At this simple question, Ji Ye Eun's eyes instantly welled up with tears. Instead of expressing happiness, she revealed a more profound sentiment.

"Instead of cheerful, I feel very touched," Ji Ye Eun said then burst into tears.

"It's just my hormones fluctuating," she continued.

This prompted the members to lovingly comfort her, even lightening the mood by jokingly apologizing for previously teasing her about her double chin.

A Hoarse Voice Sparks Ongoing Concern Among Fans and Cast

Despite her bright energy and clear joy at being back, Ji Ye Eun was quick to acknowledge that she has not yet made a full recovery, a fact most evident in her noticeably raspy and strained voice. As soon as she appeared on screen, her altered voice was a point of immediate concern for the cast.

Fellow member Choi Daniel voiced what everyone was thinking, expressing his worry upon hearing her. In response, Ji Ye Eun confirmed her ongoing recovery process, demonstrating a positive and proactive attitude.

"My voice hasn't fully recovered yet," she admitted.

"It's getting better little by little. I have to talk a lot like this to strengthen my vocal cords," Ji Ye Eun continued.

This comeback comes after an absence of approximately three weeks, a break that was necessitated by health issues related to her thyroid. Her agency, CP Entertainment, had previously released a statement confirming the situation.

“Ji Ye Eun will focus on recovering her health starting in September," the agency claimed.

But, they assured the public that they were providing “full support to ensure she gets sufficient rest and treatment.”

The condition, hypothyroidism, affects a vital gland that regulates metabolism, and its symptoms can be subtle but debilitating, often including fatigue and low energy, which is what initially led her to seek medical attention.

On a past episode, Yoo Jae Suk had also addressed her absence to clarify any rumors, stating firmly, “It’s not due to burnout, she’s currently receiving treatment.”

Now, with Ji Ye Eun back on our screens, navigating her recovery with grace and humor, the overwhelming sentiment from everyone is a simple and sincere: "Welcome back!"

Source: SBS's Running Man, Allkpop, Chosun Biz, OSEN