Yoo Jae-suk Wins 21st Career Daesang at MBC Awards After Year of Controversies
Yoo Jae-suk took home his 21st career Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards on December 29, marking his ninth Daesang from MBC alone-an unmatched record in Korean broadcasting. But the win came during what's been one of the roughest years for the network's variety division.
The 52-year-old "Hangout With Yoo" host's acceptance speech drew attention for directly thanking Lee Yi-kyung, a former cast member whose messy November exit had sparked weeks of tension rumors. That gesture-combined with gratitude to his wife Na Kyung-eun-showed why Yoo's earned his reputation as "the nation's MC" over three decades in television.
"I got my first grand prize in 2005, and now this one in 2025," Yoo said during his speech. "Nobody knows what's ahead, but if I can, I'll keep doing my best and aim for 30."
MBC's Scandal-Plagued Year
The ceremony happened against a backdrop of major controversies that hit MBC's flagship shows hard in the final months of 2024.
Park Na-rae and SHINee's Key both stepped away from "I Live Alone" in December after getting linked to the "injection auntie" scandal-allegations they'd received illegal medical treatments from someone without proper licensing. The Korean Medical Association didn't mince words, calling it "clear unlicensed medical practice in violation of the Medical Service Act."
Key apologized and pulled out of all scheduled activities on December 17, including his planned role as awards show host. That left Jun Hyun-moo and Jang Do-yeon to handle hosting duties as a duo instead of the originally planned three-person team.
"This is the first time I've come to the awards with such a heavy heart," Jun admitted during the broadcast, referencing how "I Live Alone" had disappointed viewers despite years of strong support.
The Lee Yi-kyung Situation
Lee Yi-kyung's departure from "Hangout With Yoo" turned into its own controversy. What MBC first called a scheduling conflict, the actor later described as pressure from producers following personal rumors that circulated online.
The production team eventually confirmed they'd suggested he leave first, saying it would be tough for him "to continue on a variety show that requires delivering laughter every week" given the circumstances.
Things got awkward when Lee left Yoo Jae-suk's name out of an acceptance speech at the Asia Artist Awards in Taiwan, sparking brief speculation about bad blood between them. That's why Yoo's decision to publicly thank Lee by name at the MBC awards earned praise as a classy move that shut down the tension rumors.
Volleyball Show Sweeps Big
"The Wonder Coach"-a sports variety program starring retired volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung as a rookie coach-dominated the night with six awards total, including Program of the Year.
Kim herself won both Entertainer of the Year and Rookie Award. "I honestly didn't expect this," she said, joking that winning Rookie Award as a non-broadcaster means "they're telling me to do variety shows here and there."
Other winners included SHINee's Minho (Multi-Player Award for "I Live Alone") and Kim Sook and Yoo Se-yoon (Top Excellence Awards).
Kim Shin-young accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the late Jeon Yoo-sung, who died in September at 76. Often called the godfather of Korean comedy, Jeon helped popularize the term "gagman" and was instrumental in launching "Gag Concert."
Through tears, Kim recalled Jeon's advice: "He always said, 'You have to smile first. I hope you're that happy.' I'll keep being a student of Jeon Yoo-sung who brings joy to viewers and audiences."
"Hangout With Yoo" writer Noh Min-sun won Writer of the Year, with her acceptance message (delivered by Joo Woo-jae) promising the team would "stay focused and work hard" to make the show entertaining in 2026 despite this year's difficulties.
