Yoo Jae-suk, widely known as the “Nation’s MC,” won his ninth Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, marking his 21st Grand Prize across Korea’s three major terrestrial broadcasters. The variety program Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung emerged as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping a total of six awards.
The awards ceremony was held on the evening of December 29 at the Public Hall of the MBC Media Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, with Jun Hyun-moo and Jang Do-yeon serving as hosts.
On this night, Jun Hyun-moo, Kian84, Jang Do-yeon, Yoo Jae-suk, and Kim Yeon-koung received the Entertainer of the Year Award, making them natural contenders for the Grand Prize. Kim Yeon-koung drew particular attention as she was nominated for both the Rookie Award and the Grand Prize simultaneously.
The Grand Prize ultimately went to Yoo Jae-suk for Hangout with Yoo. In his acceptance speech, Yoo said, “I want to thank Haha and Woo-jae, who work with me on Hangout with Yoo. I also want to say how grateful I am to Jin-joo, Mijoo, and Yi-kyung, who recently left the show. They all worked incredibly hard.”
He went on to express gratitude to the production staff and crew who continuously support the program. “With this award, I’ve now received my 21st Grand Prize. My first one was back in 2005. I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’ll try my best to reach my 30th,” he said. Yoo added, “I hope all the bad things from this year say ‘Good, Good Bye,’ just like Hwa Sa’s song, and that we can welcome 2026 with brighter days ahead. I’ll continue to work hard on Hangout with Yoo next year.”
Jun Hyun-moo, who also received the Entertainer of the Year Award, bowed deeply as he spoke. “This is the first time I’ve attended an awards ceremony feeling this apologetic. I feel I fell short of expectations, so it’s hard to simply feel happy. I sincerely want to apologize.”
His remarks came amid controversy following resurfaced footage showing him receiving an IV drip inside a vehicle, which led to allegations of illegal medical practices. Jun denied the allegations and released medical documentation to refute the claims.
He continued, “I will accept this award not as recognition for doing well, but as encouragement to do better. I will strive to become an entertainer who does not cause discomfort in any way.” He also addressed the production team of I Live Alone, saying, “To the staff who are enduring a difficult time, I truly love you and I’m sorry.” Jun promised that I Live Alone would move forward next year with a “renewal project.”
Kian84 said, “Thank you for giving me such a great honor. I think this award was given because I’ve worked on many programs at MBC.” He added, “This year makes me choose my words more carefully. I want to thank the writers and producers of I Live Alone. I believe good days will come.”
He also shared, “Around the World While Born was our final season. It’s a very demanding program, and I’m grateful to everyone who joined me. Extreme 84, which is currently airing, was even more challenging. We even ran to the Arctic. The Arctic episode is especially fun.”
Jang Do-yeon commented, “I probably won’t receive the Grand Prize, but even if I did, I don’t think I deserve it yet. I feel I haven’t fully lived up to my role on programs like Around the World While Born and Radio Star. I will work harder in the new year.” She added that if she ever won the Grand Prize, she would appear on all MBC programs the following year without compensation.
Kim Yeon-koung said, “I believe this award belongs to all the Wonder Dogs players as well. When I debuted in the V-League, I became the first to win Rookie of the Year and MVP at the same time. I thought tonight would end after receiving the Rookie Award, but perhaps I can aim for another ‘first.’”
The Viewer’s Choice Program of the Year Award went to Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung. The program won six awards in total: Rookie Award (Kim Yeon-koung), Best Teamwork Award, Best Couple Award (Kim Yeon-koung–In Koo-shi), Viewer’s Choice Program of the Year, Entertainer of the Year (Kim Yeon-koung), and Hot Issue Award (Seungkwan).
The Top Excellence Awards were presented to Kim Sook for Where Is My Home and Yoo Se-yoon for Radio Star and Extreme 84. Kim Sook said, “This marks my 30th year in the industry,” thanking Yoo Jae-suk, Song Eun-yi, and Lee Young-ja for their continued support.
The Excellence Awards went to Shin Bong-sun (King of Mask Singer), Ku Sung-hwan (I Live Alone), and Dex (Around the World While Born).
The Rookie Awards were presented to Kim Yeon-koung and Choi Hong-man. Choi Hong-man said, “This is my first rookie award since receiving one as an athlete 20 years ago. I dedicate this award to my mother in heaven.”
The ceremony proceeded amid multiple controversies, including cast changes on Hangout with Yoo involving Lee Yi-kyung.
Full List of Winners
◆ Radio Rookie Award
Idol Radio Season 4 – Eric (THE BOYZ)
◆ Rookie Award
Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung – Kim Yeon-koung
The Manager, Hangout with Yoo – Choi Hong-man
◆ Writer of the Year
Hangout with Yoo – Writer Noh Min-sun
◆ Hot Issue Award
Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung – Seungkwan
◆ Best Entertainer Award
I Live Alone – Ok Ja-yeon
Around the World While Born – Lee Si-eon
◆ Popularity Award
The Manager – Tzuyang
I Live Alone – Park Ji-hyun
◆ Best Teamwork Award
Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung – Wonder Dogs Team
◆ Multi-Player Award
I Live Alone – Minho
◆ Achievement Award
Jun Yoo-sung
◆ Best Couple Award
Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung – Kim Yeon-koung & In Koo-shi
◆ Producer’s Special Award
King of Mask Singer – Lee Yoon-seok
◆ Producer’s MC Award
Good Rest, Luckily – Boom
◆ Radio Excellence Award
Women’s Era with Yang Hee-eun & Kim Il-jung – Kim Il-jung
A Perfect Day with Lee Sang-soon – Lee Sang-soon
◆ Excellence Award
King of Mask Singer – Shin Bong-sun
I Live Alone – Ku Sung-hwan
Around the World While Born – Dex
◆ Special Award
King of Mask Singer
◆ Radio Top Excellence Award
Good Morning FM with Tei – Tei
◆ Top Excellence Award
Where Is My Home – Kim Sook
Radio Star – Yoo Se-yoon
◆ Viewer’s Choice Program of the Year
Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung
◆ Grand Prize
Hangout with Yoo – Yoo Jae-suk
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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