'2025 MBC Entertainment Awards' warmed hearts as Dex showed boundless respect for Yu Jae-seok.
On the 29th, the '2025 MBC Entertainment Awards' recorded a 1.5% rating for part 1 and 1.8% for part 2 among viewers aged 20-49, a key metric for advertisers and a core measure of channel competitiveness, ranking first in ratings among all programs broadcast on Monday (based on part 2). Household ratings in the Seoul metropolitan area also ranked first in the same time slot for both parts 1 and 2 at 4.9%. The peak minute rating shot up to 6.5% in part 1 during Tiger JK's congratulatory stage, a moment when the venue felt like a festival (Nielsen Korea).
The night's grand prize went to Yu Jae-seok. He won his ninth grand prize at MBC and his 21st grand prize overall, once again proving his status as the record holder for the most grand prizes in history. In particular, through Hangout With Yoo he continued his consistently comfortable and pleasant performances, reaffirming his stature as the nation's MC.
The producer's special award went to Lee Yun-seok of King of Mask Singer. Lee Yun-seok said, "I wasn't greedy for awards, but they told me to come every year until they gave it to me. It took 10 years," adding, "I couldn't hold out and they finally gave me the award. I'm deeply indebted to all the production staff." He continued, "The rookie award of my life is my son, and the excellence award and best choice is my wife. The grand prize of my life is my mother, and being born as a son is the greatest award," and said, "I dedicate this award to my mother. This is really the end. See you again in 10 years," drawing big laughs and applause. At the scene, responses calling him "an icon of persistence" followed.
Dex also drew attention with his acceptance speech. He said, "I was about to leave after clapping hard, so it's an honor to receive such an award," calling Taegyeilju "the program that made me." He then mentioned Yu Jae-seok, saying, "My resolution is to send my regards to Jae-seok hyung every holiday," and, "I will be someone who can continue to greet him next year and the year after. I will bury my bones at MBC," which received loud applause.
Earlier, Dex joined as the new youngest member of the so-called "Y-line" through The Zone: Endure to Survive season 3 and gained attention as a rising variety star. He said, "All the 'tough-guy' act I've built up until now collapses. I didn't know I was that afraid of ghosts," and explained, "The 'The Zone' series has the power to naturally immerse the cast just with the on-site setup." In response, Yu Jae-seok added, "Cute, the youngest son," bringing more laughter. Dex also said, "On my phone it's saved as 'Light and Salt Yu Jae-seok hyung.' I'm grateful as if I got stamped into the Y-line. Now that this has happened, I'll hang on to his trousers and not let go," turning the venue into a sea of laughter.
Meanwhile, Yu Jae-seok has gone through considerable changes, including Lee Yi-kyung's departure from Hangout With Yoo and Cho Sae-ho's departure from You Quiz on the Block. Amid this, Dex expressed unwavering respect and loyalty to senior Yu Jae-seok, leaving a warm afterglow.
[Photo] OSEN DB, broadcast screen
[OSEN]