With less than a month left until their enlistment period ends, our beloved tannies are just around the corner! These past two years have been an emotional rollercoaster for ARMYs. From missing the boys dearly to getting whiplashed from the avalanche of new content and music, it’s been a ride. But one thing’s for sure—they never let us feel (or walk!) alone for even a second.
Speaking of missing BTS hours, one of our favorite activities during these trying times is watching their variety shows! Seeing them getting into chaotic situations and having the best time with one another is undoubtedly the best remedy for any case of homesickness. And there’s no better feel-good show than Run BTS! This beloved series has been a staple pick-me-up for ARMYs since 2015. It went on to release over 150 episodes until they announced a break in 2022 because of their mandatory military service. Since then, BIGHIT has posted a few special episodes until they returned with Run Jin, a spin-off with Jin as the host after his discharge in 2024. Initially released on V Live and later moving to Weverse and YouTube, all episodes are available for your late-night marathon needs.
As we wait for a purple-filled June, we compiled a list of our go-to Run BTS! episodes to satisfy the Bangtan-shaped void in our hearts before they reunite as seven!
EP 24: BTS vs. Zombies
A classic among classics! This zombie special needs no introduction, but it surely deserves a mention in this list. When BTS is invited to a theme park for a night safari, they happily go along to relive their childhood with zero suspicions. That’s until a horde of zombies ambushes them! Fooled by their production crew, the boys must now collect amusement park tickets for their fans while evading undead creatures left and right.
While some members are raring to go, the others are less than eager to be one with the zombies. Special mentions to our JiHope (Jimin and J-Hope) and YoonJin (Suga and Jin) pairs for raising the decibels the entire time, as NamTaeKook (RM, V, Jungkook) enjoy a casual stroll in the haunted building. Their contrasting reactions make it all the more fun, claiming a high place in ARMY’s favorites list.
EP 33-34: BTS X Manito
Quite an iconic one, the BTS X Manito episodes are a festive treat for those who want a really good laugh. In this, BTS are each asked to randomly choose a manito, or a “secret friend” who’ll receive their gifts. But the gift giving won’t be that easy since they have to complete missions involving their manito without getting caught! The boys’ sneaky ways of doing their tasks while competing with each other are a delight, especially with how unaware some of them are.
One of the most comical Run BTS! segments so far is the photo zone game, where they have to pose based on a keyword and jump for a photo before the timer runs out. The pair consisting of BTS’ oldest members, Jin and Suga, were definitely the MVPs of this game. Despite their best efforts, they can’t seem to get their timings right, resulting in most of their photos featuring neither in the frame. The other members found it equally endearing since they couldn’t stop laughing throughout their turn. Truly an episode you shouldn’t skip!
EP 73-76: DALBANG Drama
In these Run BTS! episodes, the boys try out a career in filmmaking by creating their own short sitcom. They’re given a specific time frame to complete each scene; if they don’t finish within the interval, they still have to move immediately to the next. Starting with an acting test and random chance game to decide their roles, we’re shown a glimpse of their skills before the main event. Despite a few bouts of shyness, they do fairly well!
The filming process is a whirlwind of hilarious moments. It feels like watching a friend group filming a video for class, and the room suddenly fills with uncontrolled laughter as they attempt a successful take. From the director to the mental care expert, all of them faithfully played their roles while also being the leads, especially puffy-cheeked Jungkook, who (just got his wisdom tooth out and) took his slating task very seriously. Although the filming process took a while, the members fueled the set with their never-ending energy and created a charming output, making these episodes the perfect comforting watch.
EP 83-85: Summer Outing
EP 118-119: Photo Story
Photo Story is a welcome addition to the show’s spy specials, but this might take the title for the best one. The main concept is to create a specific scene by combining phrases written on hidden sticky notes. They must then take a photo of themselves while copying the pose. While it seems easy, most scenarios need more than one person, so there’s a chance some members may not be too inclined to help. The boys’ desperate calls for one another are incredibly amusing, but it’s just as cute seeing them give in.
You might be asking: Who’s the spy? What role does he play in this? Well…we’ll leave it for you to guess if you haven’t watched these episodes yet! And if you did, wasn’t everyone’s reaction the funniest thing in the world?
EP 140-141: BTS Collaboration Variety Show
This special is a highly requested collaboration between Run BTS! and Game Caterers. If you’re a fan of Korean variety shows, then you must’ve been as excited as we were when this was released. The episodes are divided into four parts, with the other two posted on Channel Fullmoon. It officially begins with Na PD’s sudden appearance—the beloved host of Game Caterers and producer of other well-loved variety shows—and the boys are rightfully dazed. Their chemistry naturally emerges as they play legendary games from Na PD’s shows, including Guess the Celebrity, which often leads to laugh-worthy public apologies.
One thing about BTS is that they love each other unconditionally, but also won’t hesitate to betray each other in a game for some gift certificates. We see this in action in the second game, where they choose a random mission to finish within 30 minutes, while stopping the others from completing theirs. These tasks range from tame to extremely ridiculous, like peeling 100 quail eggs or setting up 300 dominoes. What makes this unique is that they don’t have to do their missions in secret, so the situation quickly turns into a frenzy as the boys do their absolute best to sabotage one another. It’s a riot and the greatest kind at that!
EP 154-155: Finale
The word “finale” has never sounded as hopeful as now. As BTS gear up for their military service, the Run BTS! staff prepare a trip down memory lane. They’re greeted with rooms full of photos from past episodes and sincere messages from fans. To commemorate the show’s long run and achievements over the years, the boys attempt to guess fan-favorite episodes and answer Run BTS! trivia questions.
Unlike the usual chaos, this two-parter exudes a calmer vibe with promises of a safe return from the boys, leading the series to a temporary close. Looking back at it now, it truly was bittersweet for BTS and ARMYs. Two years is a long wait, and much is uncertain with time. But throughout that entire period, they were still a constant presence every step of the way.
Two members back and hundreds of updates later, we’re almost at the finish line—or more like a new beginning? Great job, ARMYs! All of the boys are coming home real soon. Now, let the remaining days pass by naturally and have a few Run BTS! marathons. You might shed a few tears, but it’ll probably be happy ones.
It’s a hard choice, but what’s your favorite Run BTS! episode? Share your top picks on our Instagram and Twitter/X!
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Featured Image Credit: BTS Official Website
