On January 28, 2025, the much-anticipated 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards took place at the MBC Media Center in Seoul, celebrating 30 years of television entertainment excellence. The event, which was originally scheduled for December 29, 2024, had been postponed due to the tragic Jeju Air aircraft incident. Emceed by the ever-charismatic Jung Hyun-moo, this year’s ceremony was marked by poignant moments, prestigious awards, and even some controversy.
Jung Hyun-moo made headlines by winning the coveted Grand Prize - his third award of this nature at MBC, following victories in 2017 and 2022. Expressing his gratitude, he stated, "I want to keep my promise to bring you joy, which is why I started broadcasting." This triumphant moment was particularly special for him, having engaged audiences wide through shows like I Live Alone and It’s Dangerous Beyond the Blankets.
Several emotional highlights punctuated the ceremony, as various winners took to the stage to share their thoughts. Among them, Choi Kang-hee received the Female Rookie Award for her performance on All That We Loved, becoming visibly moved during her acceptance speech. She remarked, "This is such a precious opportunity, and if it helps even one person not to give up, then it’s worth it." Her heartfelt tribute added to the event’s emotional resonance, prompting applause and cheers from the audience.
Ratings for the ceremony reflected its significance, with part one capturing 5.3% audience share and part two reaching 4.9%, according to Nielsen Korea. The awards also incorporate viewer participation, as they were allowed to vote for their favorite shows through live text messaging, highlighting the interactive nature of the event.
The controversy surrounding the absence of MBC's flagship program, Infinite Challenge, also emerged throughout the evening. The show, which aired from 2005 until 2018, remains loved and missed by many fans, particularly when it was notable for significantly impacting Korean entertainment. Viewers expressed disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment at the ceremony, with some criticizing, "How can you celebrate 30 years without mentioning 'Infinite Challenge'?" This sentiment spurred heated discussions on social media, reiteratively emphasizing the program's iconic status.
The lively atmosphere consisted of various performances, including tributes to classic entertainment series and lively musical numbers. Special performances from standout artists energized the venue, engaging attendees and home viewers alike. The show featured amusing segments and presenters like the eclectic Kim Dae-ho, whose engaging presence provided comedic relief amid the awards presentation.
The awards did not only focus on winners; presenters also included icons from past and present making appearances, connecting audiences with nostalgic memories from the history of MBC. Notable moments included former stars returning to celebrate the network's legacy, crafting both warmth and enthusiasm.
Yet amid the heartfelt speeches and musical performances, there remained sincere reflections from award recipients about future aspirations and commitments to their audiences. Jung Hyun-moo, during his speech, emphasized maintaining the quality of content production. He shared, "I aim to create broadcasts full of warmth and laughter," signaling his dedication to uplifting entertainment.
The 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards, celebrating not just past favorites but the very essence of entertainment, has set the stage for the upcoming year. It was a night filled with hope, nostalgia, and dedication from television professionals, all vowing to continue creating laughter and emotional connection.
Overall, the ceremony can be seen as both a celebration and reminder of what MBC has achieved over the decades, with expectations set high for the coming year. It reaffirmed MBC's status as Korea's entertainment industry frontrunner and left audiences inspired and eager for future broadcasts.