Song Ji-hyo

Song Ji-hyo is a South Korean actress, model, and television personality, born Cheon Seong-im on August 15, 1981, in Pohang. She is best known internationally as a long-running cast member of the hit variety show Running Man, a role she has held since 2010 and which has made her a household name across Asia.

Her acting career spans over two decades, with notable film roles in A Frozen Flower (2008) and New World (2013), and television dramas like Princess Hours (2006) and Emergency Couple (2014). In 2020, she starred in the thriller Intruder, one of the first Korean films released after initial COVID-19 lockdowns.

Beyond performing, Ji-hyo has expanded into entrepreneurship, becoming CEO of a lingerie brand in 2025 and personally modeling for it. She also runs a YouTube channel called "Jihyo SSong." Known for her casual, laid-back persona on Running Man and her "age-defying" appearance, she remains a beloved figure in Korean entertainment, with a dedicated global fanbase. [edit]

Song Ji-hyo was born in Pohang, a coastal city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Details of her childhood are private, but she grew up in a modest environment. She attended Kookje College, where she studied Tax & Accounting, a practical field far removed from the spotlight.

Her entertainment career began unexpectedly when she was scouted as a cover model for Kiki Magazine in the early 2000s. That first magazine cover opened doors, leading to more modeling work and eventually an acting offer. Her official debut came in 2003 with a small role in the horror film Wishing Stairs, the third installment of the Whispering Corridors series.

For the next few years, she took on minor television roles, working her way up. In 2006, she landed two significant parts: the ballerina Min Hyo-rin in the romantic comedy Princess Hours and Lady Ye So-ya in the historical drama Jumong. These roles gave her visibility but didn't yet define her career. The breakthrough came in 2008 with the film A Frozen Flower, where her performance caught attention and set the stage for bigger projects. [edit]

Song Ji-hyo's career changed course in 2010 when she joined the cast of SBS's variety show Running Man from its second episode. The show became a global phenomenon, and Ji-hyo, nicknamed "Ace" for her competitive spirit, became one of its most beloved members. Her tenure has lasted over 15 years, making her one of the longest-serving cast members in the show's history.

While Running Man dominated her schedule, she continued acting. In 2013, she starred in the crime thriller New World, earning critical praise. In 2014, she played a doctor in the medical drama Emergency Couple, showcasing her versatility. In 2020, she led the thriller Intruder, which was notable for being among the first Korean films released after initial COVID-19 lockdowns, drawing attention despite the challenging circumstances.

In 2021, she drew public attention with a sudden short haircut. In 2025, Ji-hyo expanded into business, becoming CEO of a lingerie brand and personally modeling for it. Her photoshoots in July 2026 generated buzz for her "age-defying" look at 45. She also runs a YouTube channel, "Jihyo SSong," where she shares travel and lifestyle content. As of 2026, she remains a regular on Running Man, though she has faced renewed calls to leave the show amid viewer criticism. [edit]

Song Ji-hyo's public image is defined by her long-running role on Running Man, where she is known as the "Ace" for her competitive yet easygoing personality. She often appears with minimal makeup and casual clothes, using hairpins or claw clips to keep her hair up, a style that has become her signature. This laid-back approach has earned her affection from fans who appreciate her authenticity, even as staff and some viewers have urged her to dress more polished.

In media, she is frequently described as "age-defying," with recent coverage highlighting her glamorous appearance in lingerie photoshoots at 45. Her international fanbase is substantial, thanks to Running Man's global popularity. Fans admire her resilience and longevity in the industry, and she is seen as a relatable figure who balances a demanding career with a down-to-earth persona. [edit]

Song Ji-hyo commands a sustained presence across global media, with her profile tracked through comprehensive signals of public attention and cultural consumption. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings for August 2026, she is the 24th most famous person in South Korea, holding steady from the previous cycle. Her influence extends regionally as the 90th most famous person in East Asia and within her specific field as the 54th most famous person in K-Drama. These placements reflect a career defined by longevity rather than fleeting trends. While she lacks a singular, branded fandom name distinct from the broader *Running Man* community, her support base operates through informal networks often referred to as "Runners" or affectionately as "Jihyo SSong." This fanbase mobilizes around her dual persona of the lucky competitor and the relatable figure who navigates public scrutiny with minimal makeup. Their engagement is characterized by streaming campaigns during her drama releases and participation in charity drives, though recent years have seen renewed debate regarding her continued tenure on variety television.[edit]

Song Ji-hyo studied Tax & Accounting in college before transitioning to entertainment, where she began as a cover model for Kiki Magazine. Her stage name was adopted professionally; her birth name remains Cheon Seong-im. She launched a YouTube channel titled "Jihyo SSong," a play on her surname. In July 2026, she visited Songjiho Beach to test public recognition based on the similarity of its name to hers. On *Running Man*, she is known for her casual style featuring hairpins and claw clips, a choice that has sparked both criticism and affection. Fellow cast member Kim Jong-kook once teased her about a beauty mark resembling a freckle. Her legend includes the verified folklore of her "Lucky Girl" persona, where she consistently wins races despite being physically outmatched. A viral moment in mid-2026 involved her insistence on wearing large claw clips on air, leading to a public statement on her autonomy. Additionally, she revealed in late 2025 that she had ended an eight-year relationship, a confession that recontextualized her single image for many fans.[edit]

Song Ji-hyo keeps her family life private. She has not publicly shared details about her parents or siblings. She has no known children and has never been married. In December 2025, she revealed on Running Man that she had been in an eight-year relationship, but she did not disclose her partner's identity or whether the relationship was still ongoing. As of 2026, she appears to be single, with no public information about a current partner. [edit]

Song Ji-hyo is closely associated with her Running Man castmates, particularly Ji Suk-jin, who prompted her relationship confession in December 2025, and Kim Jong-kook, who has teased her on the show. She has also worked with directors and actors in films like New World and Intruder. Her business ventures have connected her with the fashion industry. [edit]

Song Ji-hyo has kept her romantic life largely private. In December 2025, she revealed on Running Man that she had been in an eight-year relationship, confessing in response to a question from fellow cast member Ji Suk-jin. She did not disclose her partner's identity or the relationship's current status. Before that, there were no confirmed public relationships, though she has been linked to co-stars in the past, but nothing was confirmed. As of 2026, she is believed to be single, with no public reports of a current partner. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Song Ji-hyo's net worth is estimated at $15 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects her diverse portfolio, anchored by her long-running salary as a cast member of *Running Man*, which has aired for over 15 years. Additional revenue streams include earnings from her acting career in films such as *A Frozen Flower* and *New World*, as well as dramas like *Princess Hours*. Profits are also generated from her YouTube channel "Jihyo SSong" and her business ventures as CEO of a lingerie brand. Throughout her career, she has maintained various modeling and endorsement deals that contribute to this financial standing.[edit]

Song Ji-hyo has received recognition primarily for her work on Running Man, including awards at the SBS Entertainment Awards. She has also been honored for her acting, though specific wins are not well-documented. Her long-running popularity is a testament to her enduring appeal. [edit]