Actress Song Ji Hyo directly confronted the “wallflower” controversy in SNL Korea Season 8.
Recently, Song Ji Hyo faced a “wallflower controversy” over her appearance on SBS’s Running Man. Despite the broadcast lasting over an hour, she appeared for barely 10 seconds. She wasn’t shown reacting or in solo shots but only briefly appeared in group scenes, which sparked criticism about her attitude on the show and calls for her withdrawal.
In the episode of SNL Korea Season 8 released on the 11th, Song Ji Hyo made an unprecedented move as the first host to appear in every segment, proving her overwhelming presence. From the bright opening in an elegant black dress, she declared, “I will give it my all today,” radiating an extraordinary energy. Without skipping a single segment, Song Ji Hyo delivered a “full-time” performance as if pouring her soul into it, completely electrifying the set.
Notably, Song Ji Hyo turned the sharp criticisms directed at her into comedy material, showcasing her blunt honesty. In a segment where she transformed into a girlfriend obsessed with baseball, she surprised viewers with a sharp contrast—starting as a refined figure but instantly turning into a “curse master” the moment the game began, delivering a thrilling twist. In the highly talked-about “Smile Clinic” segment, she even went as far as self-deprecating by bringing up old photos showing her weight gain, reaching the peak of her comedic streak.
Extending the “Running Man” universe, her chemistry with Ji Ye Eun was also outstanding. She perfectly mimicked Ji Ye Eun’s trademark nasal tone saying “Control yourself~,” creating a rare “cute clip,” and in the signature “Ssanghwa Point” segment, she captivated the audience with her beauty and enchanting aura reminiscent of her prime. Especially inspired by Song Ji Hyo’s passionate performance, the veteran Shin Dong Yeop and bodyguard Kim Won Hoon stirred the atmosphere with unexpected physical interactions that crossed the line, continuously delivering unpredictable and iconic moments only possible on SNL Korea.
Song Ji Hyo, who gave an all-out, fearless performance from start to finish, shared her heartfelt thoughts, “I used to watch SNL Korea only on screen, but being on stage with the crew made me feel the vitality, and I received great energy. This stage has become a truly wonderful memory and a great lesson in acting,” earning her big applause until the end.
