‘KBS Son’ Lee Chan-won has also received the Entertainment Award.
On the afternoon of the 21st, Lee Chan-won lifted the grand prize trophy at the ‘2024 KBS Entertainment Awards’ held at the KBS New Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. He became the main character of the award ceremony, surpassing Yoo Jae-suk from ‘Singro You’, Jeon Hyun-moo from ‘Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears’, Ryu Soo-young from ‘Newly Released Restaurant’, and Kim Jong-min from ‘1 Night 2 Days’ Season 4.
Lee Chan-won, who won the Excellence Award in the Show Variety category in 2022 and the Best Award in the Reality category in 2023, was nominated for the ‘KBS Entertainment Awards’ for the first time this year.
This year, Lee Chan-won has been active in various programs, including the long-running show ‘Immortal Songs’, as well as ‘High-End Salt Bug’, ‘Newly Released Restaurant’, and ‘Celebrity Soldier’s Secret’. In September, he created a special stage for the ‘Chuseok Special Show: Lee Chan-won’s Gift’. He continued this momentum to win the Entertainment Award trophy.
On stage that day, Lee Chan-won said, “I didn’t expect to win. Last year and the year before, I secretly prepared an acceptance speech thinking there might be a slight chance, but this year I didn’t expect it at all, so I didn’t prepare a speech. I will speak my heart as it comes to me. I first set foot in KBS 16 years ago through ‘National Singing Contest’, officially debuted in 2020, and have participated in many programs with KBS.”
He continued, “Recently, I heard that singers are not focusing on singing and are just broadcasting. But I have loved broadcasting and entertainment since I was young. I don’t think I can ever give up the path as a broadcaster and entertainer. KBS has given birth to me, raised me, and even awarded me this very honorable prize. It feels like my hometown. I didn’t expect this award at all, so I ask for your understanding if my speech is a bit disorganized.”
Lee Chan-won also shared, “This year, I greeted everyone through many programs on KBS. I have been with ‘Immortal Songs’ for a long time and have worked with ‘Newly Released Restaurant’. I am also involved in the newly launched ‘High-End Salt Bug’ and the currently airing ‘Celebrity Soldier’s Secret’. I am very grateful to many people.”
He continued, “Many people’s hard work goes into launching a program. These days, there are fewer regular programs, and many pilot and seasonal variety shows. For short recordings, the production team brainstorms and researches ideas for as short as 3-4 months to as long as over a year. Receiving this award now is on behalf of everyone’s hard work under the name of Lee Chan-won. I ask for a warm round of applause for the production staff who work hard for KBS entertainment.”
Lee Chan-won stated, “I have grown a lot through KBS entertainment in 2024. I may be arrogant and conceited, but I will continue to grow and show good appearances through KBS in the future.” He added, “I am very honored to meet Yoo Jae-suk, whom I respect, for the first time, while I was with my fellow nominees Kim Jong-min and Jeon Hyun-moo. While discussing who would win the grand prize, Jeon Hyun-moo said that even if we talk like this, Yoo Jae-suk would probably win. It was a happy and meaningful moment to stand shoulder to shoulder with such outstanding seniors.”
He then vowed, “Having received the grand prize, I will not rest as Lee Chan-won, the broadcaster and entertainer, and will bring joy and laughter through KBS in 2025 and beyond.”
Additionally, he sent a subtle love call to Jo Yong-pil, saying, “’Immortal Songs’ is approaching its 700th episode. We are waiting for the national singer Jo Yong-pil. If you are watching the broadcast, please promise to appear, as it would be a great help to ‘Immortal Songs’.”
Finally, Lee Chan-won concluded, “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who loved all KBS entertainment this year. I will bring healthy and joyful laughter in the new year of 2025. Please wrap up the year well and have a happy new year.”
On that day, Lee Chan-won not only showcased his stable skills as an MC alongside Lee Young-ji and Lee Joon but also directed a lively trot performance with Jang Min-ho and Park Seo-jin, successfully leading the ‘Entertainment Awards’. Lee Chan-won, who is busier than anyone else as a singer and entertainer, made 2024 ‘The Year of Lee Chan-won’ by grabbing the grand prize trophy.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
