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[Editor’s note] “[Run:Influencer]” blends “run” and “influencer.” The series spotlights influencers and running crews centered on the sport. As life returns to normal after the COVID‑19 pandemic, we launched this column to promote a healthier, more enjoyable running culture. DailyRun, a publication dedicated to track and field, aims to broaden the sport’s appeal beyond elite competition to grass‑roots fitness communities.
[DailyRun=Kim Do‑hyung] Webtoon artist and television personality Kian84’s attempt at a full marathon recently captured widespread attention. By his own account, Kian84 is a regular runner, but a full marathon is another matter entirely. Without expert guidance on training and nutrition, finishing would have been unlikely. As amateur runners increasingly take on marathons, many now spend months preparing. Kian84 followed a similar path.
Standing beside him through that journey was Seo Ju‑ho—known online as RunJuho (@run_juho)—who played a crucial support role in Kian84’s first full‑marathon finish. Seo has made running part of his daily life since 2019. It helped him overcome depression and lose significant weight. Today he runs a business and maintains a healthy lifestyle, turning his passion into influencer work and volunteering as a guide runner for people with visual impairments. We met him at DailyRun’s Seongdong office in Seoul to hear the behind‑the‑scenes story of the broadcast and his life as a runner.
Q. Tell us about yourself.
I’m Seo Ju‑ho. As I get older, I try to give back more. I run a shop that sells Royal Enfield classic motorcycles.
Q. When did you start running?
It began around July–August 2019. In my early to mid‑30s, like many people, I hit a rough patch. I ballooned to 125 kg and was diagnosed with panic disorder and depression. The medications made things harder. One day, feeling especially low, I went for a walk. The scent of the outdoors hit me first; I noticed sounds I’d stopped hearing, like water running.
That night I slept deeply for the first time in months. I started walking more the next day and slowly cut back on the medication. That walk set me on the path to consistent running, which continues today.
Q. You’re active on social media with your running.
At first I wasn’t thinking about personal branding. Posting my runs was a simple workout log and a promise to myself. I sometimes avoided posting because I didn’t want people to see me at my heaviest. Then friends started reaching out and telling me they looked forward to my updates. Realizing people cared, I began sharing my runs and daily life consistently.
Q. What running‑related activities are you involved in?
I discovered I enjoyed coaching and advising other runners, so I pursued a community athletics instructor certification. I also organize charity runs and volunteer activities tied to ESG initiatives. I joined the 2023 Breeze Run with the brand Sandeulsandeul because I supported their buy‑one‑donate‑one campaign for sanitary pads. Looking for more ways to give back led me to guide‑run for people with visual impairments.
Q. How often do you run each week?
Before I started weight training I ran every day. Now, with work, I run about three times a week, typically covering 5–10 km per session. I run with two crews: RunTiful (short for “You’re Prettiest When You Run”) and Moonlight (office workers who run under the moon). I can’t join them as often as I’d like, but when I do I give it my all.
Q. You gained attention after appearing on “I Live Alone.” How did you meet Kian84?
Kian84 came to my shop to buy a motorcycle, which is how we met. The next day he said, “I like running—want to run together?” and kept urging me to join him. When he returned to tune the bike he kept bringing it up: “If you’re free for a half marathon, let’s do it together.”
Soon he told me he planned to attempt a full marathon and wanted serious training, so we began training together. At first he didn’t know the TV crew would be involved; producers eventually mic’d us, and that became the on‑air moment.
I advised him on diet, shoes and training. I began as his helper, but by the finish I realized we’d helped each other. I thought I was the one offering support, yet I found I wouldn’t have come this far without him.
After the race we shared drinks and thanked each other—though we were probably too tipsy to remember it clearly (laughs). I’m grateful to Kian84 for keeping his promises and training with me despite his busy schedule. He’s a true runner at heart.
Q. Any favorite running routes or music you recommend?
I wouldn’t single out one route. Neighborhood parks, apartment complexes and local streams all make great courses. Early on I loved the smell of grass, the sound of water and the changing sky. I often run without music—birds and flowing water beat any playlist.
Q. As a runner, what are your life goals?
I want to earn well enough to support others comfortably. I plan to keep volunteering through running and to sustain that work long term. I’d also like to write a book to show people that running can be joyful.
If the opportunity arises, I want to work with organizations that support athletes with disabilities and help in any way I can. Running saved me and made me who I am. I intend to keep running until the day I can run side‑by‑side with anyone who asks me to.
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