Actress Ok Ja-yeon became a hot topic after her acceptance speech at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, where she took home the award for Best Entertainer (Female) for her appearance in “I live alone” (나혼자산다). While many were moved by his heartfelt words, others argued that his five-minute speech was excessive and disrespectful, especially since it reportedly outlasted the grand prize winner’s speech.
Her acceptance speech, which lasted 5 minutes and 20 seconds, quickly became a topic of online discussion.
" data-medium-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/12/30191127/h-lczr1xz5qgdibi5cevf-iqjna6870ki6z0i6zxoiy-236x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/12/30191127/h-lczr1xz5qgdibi5cevf-iqjna6870ki6z0i6zxoiy.jpg" alt="Ok Ja-yeon's 5-minute award speech sparks debate: "Too long" against "Sincere and touching"" class="wp-image-901832" srcset="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/12/30191127/h-lczr1xz5qgdibi5cevf-iqjna6870ki6z0i6zxoiy.jpg 560w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/12/30191127/h-lczr1xz5qgdibi5cevf-iqjna6870ki6z0i6zxoiy-236x300.jpg 236w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/12/30191127/h-lczr1xz5qgdibi5cevf-iqjna6870ki6z0i6zxoiy-400x509.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px"/>In her Instagram post the following day, Ok Ja-yeon expressed disbelief at the win, writing: “Sometimes the unimaginable happens.” He thanked the “I live alone” production team for truthfully portraying her “small and awkward” life and credited viewers’ love for giving her courage and comfort during her first year on reality TV.
However, the real stir began during the live broadcast. On stage, Ok spoke about his struggle with vulnerability as a public figure, confessing: “It was embarrassing and even scary to show a life that seems so ordinary.” She went on to share how the program helped her realize this “It’s okay to be myself, even if I’m not refined.”
‘When I started’I live alone,’ I felt embarrassed and was afraid to reveal my daily life. I felt pressured to always appear glamorous as a celebrity, but viewers embraced even my ordinary side warmly, and for that I’m truly grateful.
“I realized that variety programs, like film, drama, and theater, are collaborative works created through the dedication of many people. I came to understand how ‘I live alone’ it is the result of everyone’s hard work.”
“I still have something more to say. I actually thought about what I might say if I ever stood on this stage. As an actor, I meet the audience through characters, but performers stand before countless eyes with nowhere to hide. I wanted to say here that comedians are incredibly courageous and admirable people who I deeply respect.”
Despite the emotional depth of his message, the speech reportedly lasted over five minutes. When the production team signaled her to finish with applause, Ok calmly responded: “I’m not done yet” and went on to thank his agency, his family and his friends by name.
This move triggered divided reactions online.
Some netizens criticized the lengthy speech, writing:
- “It was disrespectful to go on longer than the grand prize winner.”
- “It should have respected the producer’s end signals.”
- “This is live television. You can’t take that long.”
Others, however, were more supportive:
- “You could see she was overcome with emotion. That award must have meant a lot to her.”
- “It’s rare to see someone express such sincerity. I actually liked it.”
- “Let her have her moment — it’s not like she wins awards every day.”
The incident sparked broader discussions about how long acceptance speeches should be and whether emotional authenticity justifies violating unwritten broadcast norms.
Regardless of the backlash, Ok Ja-yeon’s reflection on her journey resonated with many, particularly her tribute to reality TV entertainers: “I have learned to deeply respect variety show stars. They have nowhere to hide, they only stoop to make others laugh.”
Whether it was deemed excessive or catchy, Ok Ja-yeon’s speech certainly left a lasting impression.
Sources: allkpop
