MBC entertainment world in a funeral-like mood amid comedian Park Narae controversy and Lee Yi-kyung's pointed acceptance remarks. Who will be the recipient of the prestigious "Entertainment Awards"?
On the 29th at the MBC Media Center public hall in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, Seoul, the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards will be held, hosted by Jun Hyun-moo and Jang Doyoun.
As it is a gathering of entertainers who worked hard this year, it will be a place to encourage each other's efforts and congratulate the awardees, but this year feels quite different. In particular, there were two major controversies in the MBC entertainment world. One is allegations of abuse of power and illegal medical procedures involving Park Narae, and the other is Lee Yi-kyung's attack on "Hangout With Yoo."
First, the allegations of abuse of power and illegal medical procedures involving Park Narae dealt a direct blow to "I Live Alone" and "Home Alone!" among others. Park Narae's former managers on the 3rd filed a provisional seizure of real estate worth 100 million won at the Seoul Western District Court, claiming they had been subjected to abuse of power. In addition, during the process of exposing the abuse allegations, it was revealed that she had received illegal medical procedures from the so-called "injection aunt," causing shock.
Park Narae said, "There are aspects of the facts raised now that need to be calmly confirmed, so legal procedures are under way. I will refrain from any additional public remarks or explanations during that process. I judge that this matter should be objectively verified through official procedures rather than being an issue of personal feelings or relationships," and she withdrew from all broadcasts she was appearing on and suspended activities.
However, people who appeared on broadcasts with Park Narae were caught up in the "injection aunt involvement" rumors. Cast members of "I Live Alone," including Jun Hyun-moo and SHINee's Key, were named, and SHINee's Key apologized and suspended broadcasting activities. Jun Hyun-moo escaped the allegations by taking the extreme step of releasing his medical records.
Alongside the Park Narae controversy, Lee Yi-kyung's revelations left a deep wound in the MBC entertainment world. Lee Yi-kyung, who was accused of making lewd remarks to a German woman in a "private life rumor," revealed that he was forced by producers to "lie flat" when he left "Hangout With Yoo," and at an awards ceremony he mentioned only Haha and Joo Woo-jae in his acceptance remarks, leaving speculation of Yu Jae-seok being passed over. In particular, as speculation circulated that Yu Jae-seok was behind Lee Yi-kyung's departure, both Yu Jae-seok and the "Hangout With Yoo" side were put in an awkward position.
Amid these controversies and wounds, the leading candidates for the MBC Entertainment Awards are Yu Jae-seok, Jun Hyun-moo and Kian84. Yu Jae-seok led "Hangout With Yoo," successfully wrapping up events such as the Seoul Music Festival and the Insamo special, showing once again his status as the "national MC." Jun Hyun-moo led "I Live Alone" and "Omniscient Interfering View," recording high ratings and strong public interest, bringing him one step closer to the grand prize for the second consecutive year. Facing them, Kian84 is loved for his peculiar and eccentric persona, and through "Extreme 84" he is said to be delivering a message beyond variety shows, which has him mentioned as a candidate for the grand prize.
The 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards will be broadcast live on MBC at 8:50 p.m. on the 29th.
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