Lee Chan-won Wins KBS Entertainment Award, Surpassing Jeon Hyun-moo

Singer Lee Chan-won has emerged victorious at the '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards', surpassing MC Jeon Hyun-moo. The ceremony took place on December 21 at the KBS New Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. There was much anticipation regarding whether Jeon Hyun-moo would win his first entertainment award from KBS, but the honor ultimately went to Lee Chan-won.

In his acceptance speech, Lee expressed, "In the past two years, I secretly prepared a speech thinking there might be a chance. This year, I didn’t expect it at all, so I didn’t prepare anything. I first stepped into KBS 16 years ago through 'National Singing Contest'. I officially debuted in 2020 and have participated in many programs on KBS. Recently, some have questioned why singers are focusing on broadcasting instead of music. I have loved broadcasting and entertainment since I was young. I don’t think I can ever give that up. KBS has nurtured me and even awarded me this prestigious honor. It feels like home to me."

Lee Chan-won has had a prolific year at KBS, serving as the host for shows like 'Immortal Songs', 'High-End Salt Bae', 'New Menu Launch Restaurant', and 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret'. In September, he also presented the 'Chuseok Special Show: Lee Chan-won's Gift'.

He continued, "I will continue to grow through KBS entertainment and show my best self. It was an honor to meet my respected senior Yoo Jae-suk for the first time. Jeon Hyun-moo and I joked about who would win the award, saying, 'No matter how much we talk, it will be Jae-suk who wins.' Just being able to stand alongside him is meaningful. I won’t settle as a broadcaster here. 'Immortal Songs' is approaching its 700th episode, and I’m looking forward to waiting for the legendary Jo Yong-pil. I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year in 2025. Happy New Year!"

The winners of the 2024 KBS Entertainment Awards include:

- Grand Prize: Lee Chan-won ('New Menu Launch Restaurant', 'Immortal Songs')

- Entertainer of the Year: Lee Chan-won, Yoo Jae-suk ('Synchro You'), Ryu Soo-young ('Restaurant'), Jeon Hyun-moo ('My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears'), Kim Jong-min ('2 Days & 1 Night')

- Best Program: 'Immortal Songs'

- Excellence Award: Shin Yoon-seung ('Gag Concert'), Jo Se-ho & Lee Joon ('2 Days & 1 Night'), Kim Jun-ho ('The Return of Superman'), Jang Min-ho ('Restaurant'), Lee Young-ji ('The Seasons')

- Outstanding Award: Park Soo-hong ('The Return of Superman'), Jung Ji-sun ('My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears')

- Best Couple Award: Moon Sang-min & Min-joo ('Music Bank'), Baek Ji-young & Eun Ji-won ('The Man Who Cooks'), Nam Hyun-seung & Jung Tae-ho ('Gag Concert')

- Producer Special Award: Kim Jong-min ('2 Days & 1 Night')

- Best Teamwork Award: '2 Days & 1 Night'

- Digital Content Award: MONSTA X's Shownu, NCT's Jungwoo ('No Regrets')

- Best Challenge Award: 'Synchro You'

- Best Entertainer Award: Moon Se-yoon ('2 Days & 1 Night'), Lee Jeok ('Synchro You')

- DJ of the Year: Lee Gak-kyung ('Lee Gak-kyung's Happy Time'), Jo Jung-sik ('Jo Jung-sik's FM Grand March')

- Best Idea Award: Simgok Police Station ('Gag Concert')

- Popularity Award: Park Young-kyu ('The Man Who Cooks'), Lee Mu-jin ('Limousine Service')

- Best Icon Award: 'Superman' Kids, Eom Ji-in ('My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears'), Lee Yeon-bok ('Restaurant')

- Staff of the Year: MC Bae ('Immortal Songs', 'Open Music Concert')

- Writer Award: Seo Hyun-a ('The Seasons'), Lee Min-joo ('The Man Who Cooks')

- Rookie Award: Zico ('The Seasons'), aespa's Karina ('Synchro You'), Park Seo-jin ('The Man Who Cooks'), Lee Sang-woo ('Restaurant')