A seemingly lighthearted change at a year-end awards ceremony has sparked unexpected controversy, as Korea’s floral industry voiced strong objections to the use of LEGO flower bouquets instead of fresh flowers.

The debate began after veteran entertainer Yoo Jae Suk, who won the Grand Prize, was seen holding a LEGO flower bouquet during a recent broadcast awards ceremony. The moment quickly went viral, drawing attention not only for its novelty but also for the reaction it provoked from flower industry professionals.

In response, the Korea Florist Association released an official statement criticizing the decision to replace fresh flowers with toy bouquets. The association stated that “using toy flower bouquets adds another wound to flower farmers and florists who are already struggling due to economic downturn and shrinking consumer demand.” They further warned that such choices could lead the public to perceive fresh flower bouquets as inefficient or unnecessary.

The association emphasized that Korea’s floral industry supports more than 20,000 small flower shop owners and numerous farming households, making flower consumption a direct livelihood issue. It also pointed out that the government has been actively promoting flower consumption through policies such as the Floral Industry Development and Flower Culture Promotion Act, arguing that the use of toy flowers on highly influential broadcast programs undermines these efforts.

The controversy stems from the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, held on December 29, where LEGO flower bouquets were used throughout the ceremony for presenters and winners. This marked the first time a major Korean broadcast awards show replaced traditional fresh bouquets with toy alternatives.

Public reaction has been divided. Some viewers welcomed the novelty, commenting that LEGO bouquets are more practical and memorable keepsakes. Others said they had not anticipated the impact such a choice could have on the floral industry. Meanwhile, some netizens questioned whether bouquet choices should simply be a matter of personal preference, regardless of whether the flowers are fresh or artificial.

Adding to the discussion, the owner of a flower shop that supplies bouquets for other broadcasting stations shared concerns on social media. The florist noted that the controversy coincided with graduation season—a crucial period for flower sales—and said they had begun receiving unusual inquiries about toy flower bouquets instead of fresh arrangements. “With rising flower prices and labor costs, the industry is already under severe pressure,” the florist wrote, stressing that broadcast media, due to its influence on consumer behavior, should act with greater care.

What began as a creative visual choice has now evolved into a broader conversation about sustainability, consumer influence, and the responsibility of mass media. As opinions remain split, the incident highlights how even small symbolic decisions at high-profile events can carry real-world economic and cultural consequences.

Sources: 네이트 뉴스