Park Bo-gum Nominated for KBS Entertainment Awards Grand Prize, Sparking Debate
The announcement of the Grand Prize nominees for the '2025 KBS Entertainment Awards' has set the internet abuzz, particularly with the unexpected inclusion of actor Park Bo-gum among seasoned entertainers.
On the 15th, the awards ceremony officially revealed its seven Grand Prize contenders: Kim Sook, Kim Young-hee, Kim Jong-min, Park Bo-gum, Boom, Lee Chan-won, and Jun Hyun-moo. The lineup, featuring the key figures who led KBS variety shows this year, promises a fierce competition.
Kim Sook has been a central figure in KBS entertainment, actively participating in shows like 'The Boss in the Mirror' and 'Problem Child in House'. With one Grand Prize and three 'Entertainer of the Year' awards already under her belt, her second Grand Prize win is highly anticipated.
Kim Jong-min is an iconic presence on '2 Days & 1 Night'. Having been a steadfast part of KBS entertainment for 18 years, he's already secured one individual Grand Prize and two team Grand Prizes, raising the possibility of achieving a record 'four Grand Prizes'.
The most surprising name on the list is actor Park Bo-gum. He made his mark as the first actor and longest-serving MC for 'The Seasons' with 'Park Bo-gum's Cantabile', showcasing a calm yet insightful musicality in his hosting. His long-standing relationship with KBS music programs, including his past role as MC for 'Music Bank', is seen as a key factor in his nomination.
However, online reactions are divided. Some netizens express surprise at an actor being nominated for an awards show traditionally centered around comedians and entertainers. Conversely, others defend his nomination, citing his compelling hosting on 'Cantabile' and acknowledging his capabilities as a variety show MC, despite being an actor.
Will Park Bo-gum create an upset, or will a veteran entertainer take home the Grand Prize? The '2025 KBS Entertainment Awards' ceremony, hosted by Lee Chan-won, Lee Min-jung, and Moon Se-yoon, will be broadcast live on December 20th (Saturday) at 9:20 PM from the KBS New Building.
Netizens are debating Park Bo-gum's inclusion, with comments like "Wow, Park Bo-gum as a Grand Prize nominee, that's refreshing!" and "His hosting on Cantabile was really good, I'm looking forward to it." Others question the decision, stating, "Isn't the Entertainment Awards mainly for comedians, not actors?" Despite the divided opinions, there's a high level of anticipation for the results.