Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu received the Achievement Award at the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, making the ceremony a sea of laughter with his characteristic unfiltered remarks and candid statements.
The 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, held on the afternoon of the 30th at SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, was hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo, Cha Tae-hyun, and Lee Soo-ji. On this day, Lee Kyung-kyu was recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry and was selected as the recipient of the Achievement Award.
Holding the trophy, Lee Kyung-kyu began by saying that the highlight of the entertainment awards is actually the Achievement Award. He mentioned that it is an important award that should be announced right before the grand prize, but due to time constraints, it was moved up. He confidently stated that if you check the ratings tomorrow, the best one minute will probably be the moment of the Achievement Award, eliciting laughter from the start.
Lee Kyung-kyu then drew attention by mentioning the stringent conditions for receiving the Achievement Award. He explained that to win the Achievement Award, one must first have been active for over 40 years without any major issues, and secondly, must have received the grand prize at least once from the broadcasting station. He particularly emphasized that the most important condition is character, stating that only those with good character can receive this award, and that is why he received it this year.
However, Lee Kyung-kyu soon remarked that he does not see anyone worthy of receiving this award next year, and declared that he would abolish the Achievement Award after this year. He shouted that this Achievement Award would be the last one he receives, causing the audience to burst into laughter.
Lee Kyung-kyu's remarks have sparked various interpretations online. In particular, the points about needing to be active for over 40 years without issues and emphasizing character resonate as poignant advice in light of recent controversies involving some entertainers, such as Park Na-rae, who declared a halt to her activities amid allegations of manager abuse and illegal medical procedures.
Meanwhile, at the awards ceremony, prominent entertainers such as Yoo Jae-suk, Jeon Hyun-moo, Tak Jae-hoon, Shin Dong-yeob, Lee Sang-min, Seo Jang-hoon, and Ji Seok-jin were nominated for the grand prize, competing fiercely. Lee Kyung-kyu's receipt of the Achievement Award left an impressive scene that made one reflect once again on the basic virtues and secrets to longevity that entertainers should possess amidst the glamorous festival.
