On the night of December 29, the undisputed “God of Variety,” Yoo Jae-suk, cemented his legacy once again. In a year filled with fierce competition and industry turbulence, Yoo took home the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards for his leadership on Hangout with Yoo (How Do You Play?).
This victory marks his 9th Daesang from MBC and his 21st Daesang overall—an unprecedented record in South Korean entertainment history. But it wasn’t just the trophy that made headlines; it was his classy, witty, and headline-making acceptance speech that stole the show.
Here is a deep dive into the viral moments from the night and what this historic win means for the future of Korean variety shows.
The “51%” Confidence Trick: A Masterclass in Wit
Before the winner was announced, the tension in the room was palpable. When asked earlier in the night about his chances of winning against strong contenders like Kian84, Yoo humbly estimated his odds at 49%.
However, the moment he held the trophy, his signature wit shined through.
“When I was asked earlier about my chances of winning, I said 49%. But now that I’m holding this award, I think I should have said 51%.” — Yoo Jae-suk
This unscripted joke instantly broke the emotional weight of the moment, proving exactly why he is the nation’s top MC. It displayed a perfect balance of humility and the playful confidence that fans have loved for over two decades.
The Rumor Killer: How Yoo Jae-suk Silenced the Lee Yi-kyung “Discord” Gossip
The most talked-about moment of the night was not a joke, but a gesture of leadership.
Leading up to the awards, social media was buzzing with rumors of “discord” between Yoo Jae-suk and actor Lee Yi-kyung, a former cast member of Hangout with Yoo. The speculation began after Lee Yi-kyung omitted Yoo’s name during an acceptance speech at the Asia Artist Awards earlier this month.
Yoo Jae-suk put those rumors to rest with a single sentence in his speech:
“I want to thank Haha and Joo Woo-jae… and also Park Jin-joo, Lee Mi-joo, and Lee Yi-kyung, who sadly left the show this year. They all worked very hard.”
By deliberately naming Lee Yi-kyung and thanking him on live television, Yoo effectively “killed” the malicious gossip. Netizens are currently praising this move as “true class,” noting how the veteran MC protected his junior colleague from further public scrutiny.
A “Good Goodbye” to a Turbulent 2025
The Korean entertainment industry faced a difficult year in 2025, marked by various scandals and fluctuations in viewership. Yoo Jae-suk acknowledged the heavy atmosphere without dwelling on the negative.
referencing the lyrics of Hwasa’s hit song, he offered a message of hope:
“Let’s say a ‘Good Goodbye’ to the bad things of 2025… and welcome 2026 with only good memories.”
This quote has already begun trending on Korean social media platforms as a farewell motto for the year.
What’s Next? The Road to 30 Daesangs
At 53 years old, questions about retirement often follow Yoo Jae-suk. However, he made his intentions for the future crystal clear.
“I don’t know if it’s possible, but I will try my best to reach my 30th Daesang.”
This declaration signals that the “God of Variety” has no plans to slow down.4 With Hangout with Yoo stabilizing and his other shows like Running Man continuing to perform, the “Road to 30” seems less like a dream and more like a future milestone.
Beyond the Daesang: Other Notable Winners
While Yoo Jae-suk was the main event, the night also celebrated the rising stars and top programs of 2025.
- Program of the Year: The Wonder Coach
This show has been a ratings juggernaut this year, also taking home the Best Teamwork Award.8 - Rookie of the Year: Kim Yeon-kyung
The volleyball legend-turned-entertainer is officially the “rising star” of 2025, proving her versatility extends far beyond the court.
Conclusion: Why Yoo Jae-suk is Irreplaceable
Yoo Jae-suk’s win at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards was more than just a trophy; it was a reminder of his stabilizing presence in a chaotic industry. From shutting down rumors with kindness to setting ambitious new goals, he proved once again why he remains unrivaled at the top.
