Yoo Jae-seok's 9th MBC Award & Kim Yeon-koung's 6th Crown: Complete Conquest of the 2025 Broadcasting Entertainment Awards

The 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards: Untold Stories

Yoo Jae-suk clinched his astonishing 9th Grand Prize at this ceremony, but what hidden dramas and records lie beneath the surface? On the evening of December 29, 2025, at the Sangam MBC Media Center, the MBC Entertainment Awards unfolded not as a mere awards show, but as an event etched with remarkable stories destined for broadcasting history.

A New Chapter at the MBC Entertainment Awards: Yoo Jae-suk’s Ninth Crown

Winning the Grand Prize with 'Hangout with Yoo?', Yoo Jae-suk did not just add another trophy to his collection. This marked his personal ninth MBC Entertainment Award and his 21st Grand Prize across all entertainment awards. Yet, what astonishes even more is the unique record he set.

By winning the Grand Prize at MBC in 2025, following victories at KBS in 2005 and SBS in 2015, Yoo Jae-suk made history by winning the Grand Prize at all three major broadcasters during years ending with the digit '-5'. This feat is nearly unparalleled in variety show history and vividly showcases his long-accumulated skill and enduring popularity.

Kim Yeon-kyung’s Six Crowns Set a New Standard for Actresses

As remarkable as Yoo Jae-suk’s Grand Prize is Kim Yeon-kyung’s achievement of claiming six awards. Crowned the top winner of the night, Kim Yeon-kyung also took home the Newcomer Director Award for her program 'New Director Kim Yeon-kyung,' proving her versatile talent.

Winning six awards at a single ceremony clearly demonstrates recognition across a broad range of fields. This milestone goes beyond personal achievement and stands as a testament to how MBC Entertainment Awards embrace an expansive spectrum of entertainers.

An Unprecedented Double Ceremony in 2025

Typically, the MBC Entertainment Awards are held live every December 29th. However, the event was canceled for the first time ever in 2024 due to the aftermath of Jeju Air Flight 2216’s runway excursion accident, and rescheduled to January 28, 2025.

As a result, 2025 became a historically fascinating year, witnessing an extraordinary situation where the MBC Entertainment Awards were held twice within the same calendar year. This unprecedented occurrence marked a first in the history of variety show awards, granting entertainers two chances to shine—a deeply meaningful opportunity.

A Festival of Stages: The Top Awards Ceremony Among the Three Broadcasters

Starting at 8:50 PM on December 29, under the lively hosting of Jun Hyun-moo and comedian Jang Do-yeon, the ceremony was far from an ordinary award distribution. Performances by beatboxers, dancers, musical actors, and TWS transformed the awards night into a vibrant festival.

This show-stopping lineup illustrated how the MBC Entertainment Awards stand as a comprehensive arts ceremony embracing both variety and music, solidifying its reputation as the richest and most spectacular awards event among Korea’s three major broadcasters.

Yoo Jae-suk’s ninth Grand Prize, Kim Yeon-kyung’s six awards, and the extraordinary twice-held ceremony—all made the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards a monumental moment in broadcasting history across multiple dimensions.

The Fiery Scene Behind the Live Broadcast: The Spectacular Festival of the MBC Entertainment Awards

What was the atmosphere like at the special awards ceremony paired with dazzling celebratory stages held at the Sangam MBC Media Center? From the moment the MBC Entertainment Awards kicked off live at 8:50 PM on December 29, 2025, the venue was filled with an artistic extravaganza.

The Glamorous Hosting Led by Jun Hyun-moo and Jang Do-yeon

Hosted by broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo and comedian Jang Do-yeon, this year’s MBC Entertainment Awards transformed from a simple ceremony into a comprehensive performance stage. The duo’s sparkling wit and natural chemistry brought laughter from the audience, leading the ceremony with warmth and vibrant energy throughout.

An Artistic Feast Embellished with Celebratory Performances

The true charm of the ceremony lay in its dazzling congratulatory stages. The mesmerizing rhythms of a beatboxer, the lively steps of dancers, the soulful opera performances by musical actors, and the fresh performance by K-POP idol group TWS adorned the stage, captivating the audience. Each congratulatory performance was not merely a time-filler but a fully polished cultural and artistic show in its own right.

The Passion of Viewers Filling the Open Hall

The Sangam MBC Media Center’s open hall was brimming with cheers and applause from viewers watching the MBC Entertainment Awards together. The live audience warmly cheered each winner as they took the stage, reacting with surprise and laughter at unexpected award announcements. These moments of vivid emotion transmitted through the live broadcast turned the awards ceremony from a mere event deciding recipients into a vibrant festival celebrating Korea’s broadcast entertainment.

Section 3: Kim Yeon-kyung, the Most Awarded Champion and His Secret Weapon

Setting an unprecedented record as a six-time champion, Kim Yeon-kyung's story reveals the challenges and relentless efforts hidden behind his remarkable success.

MBC Entertainment Awards 2025, Kim Yeon-kyung's Overwhelming Victory

If there was a shining star at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, it was undoubtedly Kim Yeon-kyung. Dominating the ceremony as the most awarded with six trophies, he became more than just a winner—he was the true highlight of the event. Behind every outstanding achievement lies unseen hard work. Exploring how Kim Yeon-kyung managed to achieve such a historic milestone is an intriguing journey.

Expansive Influence through Diverse Challenges

What is the secret behind Kim Yeon-kyung’s success? His name being called multiple times at the MBC Entertainment Awards was no coincidence. Winning the New Director Award for the ‘New Director Kim Yeon-kyung’ program, he continuously broke free from conventional boundaries, venturing boldly into new fields. This represents not just appearances in entertainment but a recognized blend of creativity and leadership as a producer.

Authentic Content Leading the Trends

Authentic content creation paired with constant innovation is Kim Yeon-kyung’s secret weapon. Mastering various demanding roles within the broadcasting industry and captivating audiences alike, his path promises a positive influence on the future of entertainment. The recognition at the MBC Entertainment Awards goes beyond mere honors—it stands as a testament to the industry's trust in his talent and value.

4. Historic Records and Special Awardees of the MBC Entertainment Awards

Discover the secret behind Yoo Jae-suk’s wins in broadcasts ending with a ‘-5’, along with the unveiling of the Rookie Writer and Rookie awards’ champions.

Yoo Jae-suk’s Mysterious 20-Year Cycle Record

At the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, Yoo Jae-suk made headlines by winning the grand prize for "Hangout with Yoo?" This achievement goes beyond a simple victory—it carries a special significance in the history of Korean broadcasting.

Yoo Jae-suk secured his ninth individual MBC Entertainment Grand Prize, marking an astonishing 21 total entertainment grand prizes across all networks. What’s even more remarkable is the pattern in his victories: having won the grand prize at KBS in 2005, SBS in 2015, and MBC in 2025, Yoo Jae-suk has claimed the top award from Korea’s three major broadcasters in years ending with ‘-5’, spaced by a decade each time. This extraordinary feat transcends mere coincidence and cements him as a true master of the entertainment industry.

Kim Yeon-kyung’s Dazzling Six-Trophy Triumph

The biggest winner at the MBC Entertainment Awards is without a doubt Kim Yeon-kyung. With an impressive six awards, she became the top awardee of this year’s ceremony, achieving a feat rarely seen in a single event.

Through her program "Rookie Director Kim Yeon-kyung," she swept multiple awards, including the coveted New Star Award, securing a robust position that rivals veterans despite her rookie status. This multi-award victory underscores the exceptional quality and innovation of her team’s program, earning widespread acclaim.

Emerging New Talents: GIAN84, Jang Do-yeon, and Choi Hong-man

The 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards also shone a spotlight on rising stars. GIAN84 and Jang Do-yeon took home the Entertainer of the Year Award for "Born to Travel the World 4," while rookie writer Noh Min-sun earned the Writer’s Award for "Hangout with Yoo?".

Particularly noteworthy is Choi Hong-man’s win for the Male Rookie Award, signaling the influx of new talent into the broadcasting world. This dynamic reflects a healthy ecosystem where seasoned masters and fresh talents coalesce, enriching the variety industry’s vibrant landscape.

MBC Entertainment Awards: Ongoing Change with Stability

Traditionally broadcast live every December 29th night, the MBC Entertainment Awards faced an unprecedented disruption due to the 2024 Jeju Air accident, resulting in the ceremony’s cancellation and a delayed event on January 28, 2025. Consequently, 2025 became an exceptional year with two MBC Entertainment Awards held.

Despite these changes, the MBC Entertainment Awards continue to hold their stature as Korea’s most prestigious variety award ceremony, brilliantly capturing everything from Yoo Jae-suk’s unparalleled records to the rise of emerging talents.

5. The Twice-Held 2025 and the Future of the MBC Entertainment Awards

The 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards were canceled for the first time ever due to the Jeju Air Flight 2216 runway excursion accident. Its impact extended into 2025, creating an unprecedented situation. So how did MBC respond amid this turmoil?

The Two Occurrences of the MBC Entertainment Awards: What Happened?

The 2024 Jeju Air accident was more than a mere aviation incident; it affected the broadcasting industry as well. The MBC Entertainment Awards, traditionally held live every December 29th night, were canceled for the first time in history. This was an unprecedented disruption in the long-standing legacy of the show.

However, MBC did not leave this gap unattended. On January 28, 2025, the postponed 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards were finally held at a new date. As a result, 2025 became an extraordinary year featuring two MBC Entertainment Awards ceremonies.

Consecutive Ceremonies Mark a New Beginning

Broadcast live at 8:50 PM on December 29, 2025, from the Sangam Media Center Public Hall, the MBC Entertainment Awards brought fresh energy to both MBC and viewers following a turbulent period. Hosted by Hyunmoo Jeon and Doyeon Jang, the celebration included special stages by beatboxers, dancers, musical actors, and TWS, electrifying the atmosphere.

Heavyweight achievements like Yoo Jae-suk’s ninth MBC Entertainment Award and Kim Yeon-koung’s six-title sweep poured in, proving that even through two ceremonies, the MBC Entertainment Awards remain at the heart of Korea’s entertainment culture.

Reflecting on the Future of the MBC Entertainment Awards

The experience of hosting two ceremonies in 2025 left MBC with crucial lessons: a sense of responsibility to sustain broadcasting culture even amid unpredictability, and the drive to realize it.

Looking forward, the future of the MBC Entertainment Awards is expected to be stronger than ever. This is fueled by MBC’s dedication to staying connected with viewers and preserving its status as a flagship ceremony representing Korean entertainment culture. The chaos of 2025 will ultimately stand as a testament to just how significant the MBC Entertainment Awards are in cultural history.