"Should have been more careful" vs "freedom of expression" mention of Park Narae in Kim Sook's acceptance speech
Comedian Kim Sook's acceptance speech sparked an unexpected controversy. There are contrasting views on her mention of the controversial Park Narae.
Kim Sook, after winning the female institutional sector grand prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards held on Dec. 29, 2025, mentioned Park Narae, who has suspended activities amid various controversies, during her remarks. Online reactions are split between criticism that "she should have been more careful" and defense that it was "freedom of expression and a matter of conviction."
In her acceptance speech that day, Kim Sook thanked the producers and cast of the show Rescue Me! Homes, emphasizing "the program we've done together for seven years." As she called out the names of colleagues one by one, she even mentioned Park Narae, saying "even Team Head Narae."
The controversy stems from the fact that Park Narae has declared a suspension of activities amid the so-called "drunk aunt" controversy and legal disputes with former managers. Debate continued over whether it was appropriate to mention the name of a person at the center of controversy at an official awards ceremony.
Some netizens responded that "one should have been cautious at an official awards ceremony," "the mention was unnecessary while the controversy remains unresolved," and "it could unintentionally make a colleague more embarrassed," expressing regret over Kim Sook's remarks. In particular, there were criticisms such as "Kim Sook is such an experienced broadcaster that she should have made this level of judgment."
On the other hand, there were many opinions defending Kim Sook's choice. Responses included "If you worked together for seven years, mentioning them is natural," "judging the case and showing basic human courtesy are separate," and "an attitude in keeping with Kim Sook's convictions." The interpretation is that she was simply expressing respect for someone she had worked with regardless of the controversy.
In fact, in her remarks that day Kim Sook expressed gratitude not only to Park Narae but also to colleagues who have been with her through her 30-year career. She mentioned names such as Yu Jae-seok, Song Eun I and Lee Young-ja, saying, "You always said you'd quit, but these are the people who held on to me until the end." Her rhetorical style of thinking of "people" and "relationships" before individual achievement is known as Kim Sook's long-standing style.
The core of the controversy ultimately lies on the boundary between the "appropriateness of the mention" and "freedom of expression." Opinions that remarks on an official stage should be cautious are clashing with views that the expression of camaraderie should not be subject to criticism.
Criticism can be a valid opinion, but voices arguing that Kim Sook's respect for colleagues and her conviction should also be respected are gaining traction. This controversy once again shows how a single name mention can produce a wide range of interpretations in the entertainment industry.<
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