Beloved South Korean entertainer Yoo Jae Suk (유재석) continues his variety show reign with yet another Daesang (Grand Prize Award)! The comedian recently received his ninth Daesang at the “2025 MBC Entertainment Awards”, but it was his speech that caught netizens’ attention.
On 29th December 2025 (Monday), the comedian received the Daesang at the “2025 MBC Entertainment Awards”, for his show, “Hangout With Yoo”. The award marked his ninth Daesang from MBC, and his 21st Daesang overall, highlighting his enduring popularity amongst South Korean variety show viewers.
Yoo Jae Suk would later give an acceptance speech for the honour, which caught netizens’ attention. The 53-year-old expressed gratitude to the “Hangout With Yoo” production staff and his co-stars on the show. Notably, he also thanked the stars who have left the show, including Park Jin Joo (박진주), Lee Mi Joo (이미주) and Lee Yi Kyung (이이경).
This incident comes after Lee Yi Kyung excluded Yoo Jae Suk in his acceptance speech at the “2025 Asia Artist Awards”. The actor departed from “Hangout With You” following a scandal. However, he claimed that the show’s production team forced him to leave. As such, his exclusion of Yoo Jae Suk’s name in his speech sparked discord rumours between the two.
Lee Yi Kyung later clarified that he didn’t intentionally leave out Yoo Jae Suk’s name from his speech. However, it did little to lessen the criticism. Meanwhile, netizens have reacted to Yoo Jae Suk still including Lee Yi Kyung’s name in his speech, praising the star for his kindness. Many even commended him for being the bigger person and shutting down the conflict rumours.
The small gesture is just another example of Yoo Jae Suk’s class and character, a big reason why he continues to be a beloved star. We extend our congratulations to the entertainer on his Daesang, and may more come his way. Watch his full speech here:
Sources: Chosun Ilbo, YouTube
