While Lee Sang-min ultimately claimed the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, the ceremony also sparked controversy over Ji Suk-jin’s missed win—leaving many viewers expressing disappointment and frustration over what they described as a “cruel” awards show production.
Held on December 30, the event honored Lee Sang-min for his work on My Ugly Duckling and Dolsing Fourmen. After joining My Ugly Duckling in 2017 and later expanding his presence through Dolsing Fourmen, Lee Sang-min openly shared his struggles with massive debt, divorce, and remarriage, earning widespread empathy and support from viewers.
In his acceptance speech, Lee Sang-min said, “Everything about my second life is archived in My Ugly Duckling. It allowed me to start over. I lost my beloved mother, endured painful moments, and this year, I even married someone I love.” He added, “SBS gave me so much love—more than I could ever repay in my lifetime. I truly did my best here.” He concluded with a deep bow in gratitude.
However, following the Daesang announcement, attention quickly shifted to Ji Suk-jin, whose name was widely anticipated as a strong contender. A longtime pillar of Running Man, Ji Suk-jin has quietly carried the program for years and endured a particularly difficult personal year after the recent passing of his mother.
Despite his grief, Ji Suk-jin attended the ceremony and willingly participated in a prepared gag segment involving a wig, joking, “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do.” His professionalism and dedication moved many viewers. Yet as the ceremony’s production seemingly hinted at his potential win—only for his name not to be called—disappointment grew.
Many viewers felt the direction unfairly raised expectations, only to leave Ji Suk-jin empty-handed. The moment reignited long-standing criticism that his contributions are consistently overlooked despite his seniority and impact.
Even Lee Sang-min acknowledged the awkwardness, saying during his speech, “I feel sorry—it would have been so much better if Seo Jang-hoon, Ji Suk-jin, and I could have received this together.”
Online reactions were swift and emotional. Comments included, “If they weren’t going to give him the award, they shouldn’t have staged it like a joke,” “Why make him wear a wig just to humiliate him?” and “Is it really that hard to give a Daesang to someone who’s brought so much laughter for decades?”
As debates continue, Ji Suk-jin’s Daesang snub has emerged as one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, raising renewed questions about fairness, respect, and the responsibility of award show production teams toward veteran entertainers.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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