The awards ceremony, held on December 30 at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul, was hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo, Cha Tae-hyun and Lee Soo-ji. Lee Sang-min triumphed over formidable candidates such as Yoo Jae-suk, Jeon Hyun-moo, Tak Jae-hoon, Shin Dong-yup, Seo Jang-hoon and Ji Suk-jin.
Lee Sang min, who was a staple My old man since 2017 and most recently driven Dolsing four men for over four years, he became known for his frugality and his return journey, even earning the nickname “Gungsang-min”.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Lee said, “I never expected to be loved so much simply for showing my struggles as they were. I also never imagined that I would be able to repay all my debts.” Fighting back tears, she reflected on her past and the transformative power of her appearances on SBS.
“’My old man‘ is my archive. It documented my second life. It helped me start over, it recorded the passing of my beloved mother and now I have closed that painful chapter. This year I even got married to someone I love,” he shared.
Expressing deep gratitude, he added, “SBS has given me more love than I could ever repay. This award truly belongs to my wife, the best gift of my life.” Lee concluded with a low bow, promising, “I will live an even better life so as not to burden SBS, which contains my whole story.”
Additional highlights from the ceremony:
- Best variety performers went to We see AND Kim Kwang-kyu (Seojin’s), AND Choi Jin-hyuk (My old man), While Lee Hyun-yi AND Kim Jin-kyung (Shooting stars, Same bed, different dreams 2) took the female honors.
- Kim Jin-kyung she surprised the crowd by announcing her pregnancy, saying: “For the last five years I’ve done nothing but eat and play football, but now I’m going to take a break because I’m pregnant.”
- From Ye-eunwinner of the Excellence in Variety Show Award, tearfully thanked her Running Man castmates: “Thank you for loving me, even though I’m the youngest.”
- Producer of the Year was assigned to Jeon Hyun-moo (Our ballad) AND Yang Se-chan (Running Man).
- Lifetime Achievement Award went to the comedy veteran Lee Kyung-kyuwho was joking, “The real highlight of the entertainment awards is the lifetime award. You have to survive 40 years and win a Daesang at least once, and have a good character. That’s why I won this!” He jokingly added, “Next year? No worthy recipient: just abolish the award!”
Special Mentions:
- Most popular program: Running Man (for the second consecutive year)
- AI Choice for Face by SBS: Yoo Jae-suk (with over 981 minutes of broadcast)
- Hot program of the year: Our ballad
- Tribute segment: A memorial video for the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung was shown.
- Special shows: Included U-You meet Yunho, Crying walnutand project team All new DEFcomposed of Cho Hye-ryun, Lee Hyun-yi, Lee Chae-yeon, Park Ji-hyun and Lee Sang-min.
SBS Entertainment Awards 2025 – Summary of major winners:
- Grand Prix: Lee Sang-min
- Most popular program: Running Man
- Producer Awards: Jeon Hyun-moo, Yang Se-chan
- Top Excellence Award (Variety Show – Male): Lee Seo-jin, Kim Kwang-kyu
- Top Excellence Award (Reality – Male): Choi Jin-hyuk
- Maximum Excellence Award (female): Lee Hyun-yi, Kim Jin-kyung
- Excellence Awards: Ji Ye-eun, Yoo Yeon-seok, Park Ha-yan, Yoon Shi-yoon
- Success in life:Lee Kyung-kyu
- SBS AI Face: Yoo Jae-suk
- Best Couple UP: Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok
- Rewards for newcomers: Lee Soo-ji, Kim Won-hoon
- Special prizes: HaHa, Tak Jae-hoon, Choo Sung-hoon
- Writer’s Award: Mo Eun-seol (Our ballad)
- Better teamwork: Same bed, different dreams
- Entertainer of the Year: Yoon Hyun-min
- ESG Award: Lim Young-woong
- Award for good influence: Seo Eun-hye and Jo Young-nam
- Radio DJ: Hwang Je-sung
- Rookie UP: Lee Chae-yeon
- Hot clip of the year: Cha Tae-hyun
- Challenge of the year: Lim Won-hee, Kim Seung-soo, Heo Kyung-hwan
- Scene stealer: Tak Jae-hoon, Choo Sung-hoon
Sources: Daum
