Korea’s most celebrated TV personality notches record 20th award
Korea’s top comedian Yoo Jae-suk cemented his legacy at the 2024 Seoul Broadcasting System Entertainment Awards, notching an unprecedented 20th career grand prize.
With the historic win, Yoo now holds the record for the most grand prizes won by anyone across the three major broadcasting networks’ entertainment awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards.
On Wednesday, SBS recognized Yoo for his performance on hit variety show “Running Man” and “Whenever Possible,” an entertainment show that visits people during their downtime.
Clutching the trophy, Yoo, visibly moved, reflected on his decadeslong career.
“It hit me — my first grand prize was back in 2005. And now, here I am, standing before you with my 20th. I never dreamed of a moment like this. Winning my 20th grand prize in 20 years carries immense significance,” he said at the awards ceremony held in Sangam-dong, Seoul, Wednesday.
Expressing deep gratitude to his family and production teams, Yoo added, “Now more than ever, I believe the world needs laughter. I promise to work even harder, alongside my colleagues, to continue bringing joy to audiences.”
The most popular program award, determined by online viewers, went to the long-running juggernaut “Running Man,” the first episode of which aired in 2010.
Accepting on behalf of the team, Yoo quipped, “At this point, ‘Running Man’ is Korea’s longest-running variety show. If we were a car, we’d be a classic—still going strong, but requiring more fuel and maintenance. I’m endlessly grateful to our incredible staff and cast for keeping the engine running. We’re ready to run more.”
Meanwhile, over at Munhwa Broadcasting Corp. the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards crowned former announcer-turned-variety powerhouse Jeon Hyun-moo as its grand prize winner in a live broadcast on Tuesday.
A former KBS announcer, Jeon snagged his third MBC grand prize, following wins in 2017 and 2022, edging out Yoo, webtoon artist Kian84 and announcer Kim Dae-ho.
“I grew up idolizing entertainers like Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Gook-jin and Shin Dong-yup,” Jeon shared during his acceptance speech. “Since I was a kid, my dream was to appear on that little screen and make lonely people laugh. This award is a testament to staying true to that passion and never losing sight of why I started.”
MBC’s “Home Alone” — celebrated for its intimate and often hilarious glimpses into the lives of single celebrities — dominated the competition, either winning or being linked to 12 trophies, including variety program of the year, entertainer of the year and awards for top excellence, excelling across multiple programs, producers’ special and best rookie.
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