[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk won the MBC Entertainment Award. Producer Kim Tae-ho, who is about to start a new chapter, said farewell with tears.
Yoo Jae-suk won the grand prize for the second consecutive year at the '2021 MBC Entertainment Awards' held on the 29th at MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
Yoo Jae-suk, who was recently confirmed positive for COVID-19 and had been self-quarantining, received a negative test result before the ceremony and attended the event. Kim Gura predicted his win, saying, "Luck is on your side."
Singer Lee Hyori took a 7 a.m. flight from Jeju Island to attend as the presenter of the grand prize. Standing side by side on stage with last year's grand prize winner Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Hyori joked, "Isn't it time to stop receiving it now?"
Yoo Jae-suk, who achieved his 8th grand prize at MBC and 18th overall, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to the production team of 'Hangout with Yoo.' To the citizens, MSG Wannabe members, and to Jung Joon-ha, Haha, Shin Bong-sun, and Mijoo who stood by me during difficult times, thank you." He added, "I will continue to bring laughter until the day my body can no longer do so."
That day, 'Hangout with Yoo' won 10 awards including Yoo Jae-suk's grand prize, 'Variety Program of the Year' selected by viewer votes, Best Female Award (Shin Bong-sun), Best Couple Award (Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Mijoo, Haha), Best Teamwork Award (MSG Wannabe), Best Character Award (Jung Joon-ha, Haha), and Best New Female Award (Lee Mijoo).
Producer Kim Tae-ho, who directed shows from 'Infinite Challenge' to 'Hangout with Yoo?', will leave MBC at the end of this year.
Kim PD, who usually delivered his acceptance speeches calmly, became teary-eyed after receiving the 'Variety Program of the Year' award. He joked, "If I had been held back one more time, I would have stayed, but I didn't," and said, "This might be my last awards ceremony in my life. I am grateful to my wife and son," showing tears.
Having been responsible for Saturday evenings with Yoo Jae-suk for the past 15 years, Kim PD said farewell, "I endured and stayed strong because Yoo Jae-suk was with me. I respect him."
Yoo Jae-suk said, "I am worried about broadcasts without Producer Kim Tae-ho. But since Kim PD has made a new decision, I hope he continues to succeed," offering his support.
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