On the evening of May 23, 2026, anticipation swept across South Korea as millions tuned in to MBC TV for the live broadcast of the 1225th Lotto 6/45 drawing. As the familiar spinning drums came to a halt, the winning numbers—8, 9, 19, 25, 41, and 42—were announced, with 33 selected as the bonus number. The results, revealed by the lottery operator Donghaeng Lottery and broadcast on the popular program Live Happiness Dream Lotto 6/45, sparked excitement and dreams of newfound fortune across the nation.
According to Donghaeng Lottery, this round produced a total of 13 first prize winners, each set to receive a staggering 2,228,130,087 KRW (approximately 1.49 billion KRW after taxes). The vast majority of these winners—12 out of 13—won through automatic number selection, with only one winner selecting their numbers manually. The distribution of luck was as varied as the nation itself: four winners hailed from Gyeonggi, two from Seoul, two from Gyeongnam (including the sole manual ticket holder in Gimhae), and one each from Incheon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongbuk, and the official internet lottery sales site.
For those who matched five numbers plus the bonus number, the second prize tier, there were 76 winners, each receiving 63,521,338 KRW. After the 22% tax on prizes under 300 million KRW, the effective payout for second prize winners was about 49,540,000 KRW. Third prize, awarded to those who matched five numbers, went to 3,333 winners, each taking home 1,448,432 KRW. The fourth and fifth prize tiers, which offer fixed payouts of 50,000 KRW and 5,000 KRW respectively, saw 161,090 and 2,705,194 winners. The total sales for this round reached an impressive 120,428,870,000 KRW, a testament to the enduring popularity of the game.
As reported by Seoul Economic Daily, the locations of the first prize-winning tickets included a diverse array of retail outlets: from Rainbow Lotto in Seoul's Jung-gu to HanSol Lotto & Mart in Incheon, to Happy House in Osan, Gyeonggi, and even an internet purchase on Donghaeng Lottery's website. The only manual selection winner purchased the lucky ticket at a shop in Gimhae, Gyeongnam. Winners must claim their prizes within one year from the payment start date, with the deadline extended to the next business day if it falls on a holiday. Prizes of 50,000 KRW or less can be claimed at lottery sales points, while higher-tier prizes require a visit to NH Nonghyup Bank—headquarters for first prize, branches for second and third prizes. Unclaimed winnings, as stipulated by law, revert to public welfare funds and are used for various social programs.
The drawing itself was a media event, with chef Cheon Sang-hyun, a former Blue House executive chef, appearing as the 'Golden Hand'—the celebrity guest tasked with pressing the button to start the draw. Cheon, known for his lengthy tenure at the presidential residence and subsequent appearances on popular TV programs such as tvN's You Quiz on the Block and Netflix's Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War Season 2, brought a touch of culinary prestige to the proceedings. The live broadcast, hosted by Seo Kyung-seok, has become a Saturday night staple, with viewers eagerly watching the drama unfold at 8:35 PM each week.
For those curious about the mechanics, the Lotto 6/45 is a straightforward game: players select six numbers out of 45, and prizes are awarded for matching three or more. The first prize pool receives 75% of the available prize fund (after deducting fixed payouts for fourth and fifth prizes), with 12.5% each allocated to the second and third prize tiers. If there are no first prize winners in a given round, the prize money rolls over to the next draw, potentially creating even larger jackpots. Tickets cost 1,000 KRW per game, with a maximum purchase limit of 100,000 KRW per person per draw. Minors under 19 are strictly prohibited from purchasing tickets or claiming prizes, a regulation designed to discourage gambling among youth and prevent overspending.
The history of Lotto in South Korea traces back to December 2002, when the game was first introduced. Since December 2018, Donghaeng Lottery has managed the operation, taking over from Nanum Lotto. The program's public welfare mission remains central, with over 42% of total sales channeled into social welfare projects and public interest initiatives. This dual role—as both a vehicle for dreams and a source of funding for community projects—has helped maintain Lotto's popularity across generations.
According to statistics provided by Donghaeng Lottery and reported by TopStarNews, the most frequently drawn numbers since the game's inception include 34, 27, 12, 13, 18, and 45. The cumulative figures are staggering: since the first draw, total sales have exceeded 87 trillion KRW, and total prize payouts have surpassed 43 trillion KRW. There have been 10,389 first prize winners, with the average first prize amounting to 2.01 billion KRW, though the record high reached a jaw-dropping 40.7 billion KRW. The game, however, is not without its rules—if a prize goes unclaimed, it is redirected to the public good, ensuring that no windfall is wasted.
The live drawing is more than just a televised event; it's a ritual that brings together people from all walks of life, united by hope and the thrill of possibility. As Lecturer News noted, the program even operates its own YouTube channel, Right to Know, where viewers can watch rehearsal footage, drawing highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments with the 'Golden Hand.' For many, the Saturday night broadcast is less about the odds and more about the communal experience—the shared anticipation, the fleeting moment when anything seems possible.
For this 1225th draw, the combination of widespread winners, high prize amounts, and a beloved celebrity guest made for an especially memorable night. As the winners prepare to claim their life-changing sums and countless others dream of future draws, the Lotto 6/45 continues to weave its unique blend of excitement, hope, and public benefit into the fabric of South Korean life.