Running Man stars sign autographs at Suntec, fans are rapturous

The cast of Running Man at an autograph session at Suntec City in Singapore on Nov 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MELISSA HENG
The cast of Running Man at an autograph session at Suntec City in Singapore on Nov 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MELISSA HENG
The cast of Running Man at an autograph session at Suntec City in Singapore on Nov 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MELISSA HENG

Singapore fans were thunderous as soon as the stars of popular South Korean variety show Running Man appeared at Suntec City's East Atrium on Saturday afternoon.

Five out of seven of the show's spirited cast sauntered in, all ready to sign posters and interact with their fans over an hour-long autograph session.

The five members were Ji Suk Jin, Song Ji Hyo, Haha, Lee Kwang Soo and Kim Jong Kook.

Out of the approximately 6,000 screaming fans who turned up for the free, public event, 500 got to get up on stage and have their Running Man poster autographed by one of the cast members. These 500 had the privilege as they were VIP ticket holders to the cast's ticketed fan meet, which will be at Star Vista on Saturday night.

All three floors of the mall was packed with fans, who squeezed themselves against the barricades as closely as possible for a glimpse of their favourite stars.

Being an autograph session, there was little that onlookers could do except watch their stars bend their heads down and sign one poster after another. But, typically game and gracious, members of the cast would stand up at random to greet their fans, with Haha and Kim even busting a few dance moves to the songs playing over the mall speakers.

It was Lee, 29, however, who proved to be the most popular, as the gangly guy nicknamed "Asian Prince" for his appeal all across Asia, garnered the loudest and most consistent screams and name chants.

Perhaps, it also has to do with the fact that Lee was not part of the first-ever Running Man fan meet in Singapore that was held last year.

Among the enthusiastic crowd on Saturday were sisters Aelfira Azmi, 22, and Aeriqah Azmi, 17, who each got an autographed poster on stage.

Aelfira had hers signed by Haha, whom she describes as "very friendly with his high-fives", while her younger sister had hers signed by Lee. Sounding breathless, Aeriqah said: "I'm a little starstruck, seeing Kwang Soo so close. He's more handsome than on TV."

The stars were brought in by TV channel One, which airs the show on Fridays at 11.45pm.

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