Overseasidol.com — On November 12, a behind-the-scenes video from the variety show Running Man China sparked online discussion after it appeared that actor Sha Yi kissed singer Song Yuqi during filming.
The short clip quickly went viral, prompting mixed reactions from netizens.
The official Running Man China account soon clarified the situation, writingm, “Let’s calm down, everyone. It was just a traditional Tajik greeting. Please look forward to the full episode!,”.
According to production details, the interaction took place during the show’s Xinjiang special episode, titled Running Man: Journey on the Heavenly Road, filmed between November 10–14, 2025.
The segment was designed to showcase Tajik ethnic wedding traditions, where elders express affection and blessings to the younger generation through a cultural gesture.
In Tajik customs, it is common for elders to kiss the forehead or eyes of younger individuals as a sign of care and blessing.
Given the age gap between Sha Yi (born 1978) and Song Yuqi (born 1999), the act symbolized a father-daughter-like gesture, not a romantic one.
Fans who attended the filming later confirmed that the moment captured was a brief and respectful cultural greeting, consistent with the show’s theme of celebrating regional diversity.
The production team emphasized that the segment aimed to honor local heritage, not to create controversy.
The upcoming episode is expected to air soon, featuring the cast’s interactions with the Tajik community and their unique traditions, offering audiences a deeper understanding of China’s rich cultural mosaic.
