Yoo Jae-suk Wins Top Honor at 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards

The 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards took place on January 29 at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul, with hosts Jeon Hyun-moo, Lee Hyun-yi, and Jang Do-yeon leading the ceremony. Originally scheduled for December 31, the event was postponed due to a national mourning period following a tragic accident involving a Jeju Air flight. After discussions, the awards were finally held on January 29, with the original hosts remaining unchanged.

Yoo Jae-suk, known for his work on Running Man (런닝맨) and Timeman (틈만 나면), received the prestigious Grand Prize. Upon receiving the award, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am so thankful. I don’t know how to express my appreciation for receiving this award again. I want to thank my parents, my in-laws, my beloved Kyung-eun, and my children, Ji-ho and Na-eun."

Reflecting on his career, Yoo noted, "I received my first Grand Prize in 2005, and today marks my 20th award. I never imagined this day would come, and it holds significant meaning after 20 years. Thanks to the support for Running Man, the longest-running variety show, and the love for Timeman, I am at a loss for words."

He continued, "I have been part of SBS Sunday variety shows for 22 years, from X-Man to Family Outing to Running Man. This achievement is possible because of the support from many people. The entertainment environment is becoming increasingly challenging, and the broadcasting industry is not as abundant as it once was. I sincerely want to thank all the staff and my colleagues for their hard work in 2024. I will continue to strive to bring laughter in 2025, as we truly need it now. Happy New Year, and I did it!"

The audience's choice for the most popular program went to Running Man, with PD Choi Hyung-in expressing gratitude for the continued support over the show's 16-year run. He dedicated the award to the hardworking cast and crew.

Yoo Jae-suk added, "Thank you to everyone who loves Running Man. It has become the longest-running variety show in Korea, akin to a classic car that requires more fuel and maintenance. I appreciate the efforts of the production team and cast, and we will keep running hard."

Additionally, the award for highest ratings went to My Little Old Boy (미운 우리 새끼). Before the award presentation, Yoo Yeon-seok promoted the new season of Timeman, and when asked about a ratings promise, he stated he would appear on the show if it surpassed 5% ratings.

PD Park Joong-won shared his mixed feelings about ratings, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining high numbers. He credited the show's longevity to the exceptional production team.

Lim Won-hee humorously noted his age while expressing gratitude for the joy SBS entertainment brings during tough times, urging continued support for My Little Old Boy, which won a total of seven awards, including the highest ratings.

The Best Male Performer awards went to Ryu Soo-young from Jungle Bop (정글밥) and Kim Seung-soo from My Little Old Boy, while the Best Female Performer award was given to Jung Hye-in from Goal Diggers (골 때리는 그녀들). The Excellence Awards were presented to Choi Jin-hyuk from My Little Old Boy, Jo Woo-jong from Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 (동상이몽2-너는 내 운명), and Uee from Jungle Bop.

Uee expressed her surprise at winning and shared her excitement about the ongoing filming of Jungle Bop Season 2, promising to work hard to earn the title of 'SBS's Daughter.'

The SBS Son of the Year award went to Lee Sang-min, and the Daughter of the Year award went to Lee Hyun-yi, marking consecutive wins for both.

The Newcomer Award, which can only be received once in a lifetime, was awarded to Yoo Yeon-seok from Timeman and Jin Sun-kyu from The Magic Star (더 매직스타), highlighting their emotional achievements.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards:

- Grand Prize: Yoo Jae-suk (Running Man, Timeman)

- Producer Award: Lee Sang-min (My Little Old Boy, Shoes Off and Single Again)

- Audience's Choice Program of the Year: Running Man

- Best Performer: Jung Hye-in (Goal Diggers), Ryu Soo-young (Jungle Bop), Kim Seung-soo (My Little Old Boy)

- Excellence Award: Choi Jin-hyuk (My Little Old Boy), Jo Woo-jong (Same Bed, Different Dreams 2), Uee (Jungle Bop)

- Special Award: Lee Young-pyo (Goal Diggers)

- Honorary Employee Award: Kim Jun-ho (My Little Old Boy, Shoes Off and Single Again)

- Good Family Award: Same Bed, Different Dreams 2

- Good Partner Award: Kim Jong-kook, Lee Dong-gun, Heo Kyung-hwan, Kim Hee-chul (My Little Old Boy)

- Most Viewed Short Clip Award: Kim Jong-kook (Running Man, My Little Old Boy)

- Hot Issue Award: Yoo Ho-jin (The Magic Star)

- Best Entertainer Award: Lim Won-hee (My Little Old Boy, Shoes Off and Single Again)

- Best Couple Award: Kim Min-jae ♥ Choi Yoo-ra (Same Bed, Different Dreams 2)

- ESG Award: Touch and Go Hot Place - Neighborhood Hot Spot

- Scene Stealer Award: Song Ji-hyo (Running Man)

- Best Player Award (MVP of the Year): Heo Kyung-hee (Goal Diggers)

- Best Player Award (Rookie of the Year): Park Ji-an (Goal Diggers)

- Best Chemistry Award: Shin Gi-ru, Lee Guk-joo, Park Na-rae, Pung-ja (Survival of the Fittest - Eat, Sleep, Play)

- 2024 SBS Son and Daughter Award: Lee Sang-min, Lee Hyun-yi

- Broadcasting Writer Award: Lim Chae-yoon (Touch and Go Hot Place - Neighborhood Hot Spot)

- Radio DJ Award: Bong Tae-kyu (Beautiful Morning with Bong Tae-kyu), Jung Yeop (Your Night, Jung Yeop)

- Newcomer Award (Talk/Reality): Yoo Yeon-seok (Timeman)

- Newcomer Award (Show/Variety): Jin Sun-kyu (The Magic Star)

- Rising Star Award: Kang Hoon, Ji Yea-eun (Running Man)