The ‘2024 MBC Entertainment Awards’ celebrated its 30th anniversary by recalling the entertainment shows that have shone at MBC, but there was no mention of the still-popular ‘Infinite Challenge,’ leading to controversy over neglect.
On the 28th, the ‘2024 MBC Entertainment Awards’ was held live. Originally scheduled for December 29 of last year, the event was canceled due to the aftermath of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster and was broadcast before the Lunar New Year holiday.
In particular, the ‘2024 MBC Entertainment Awards’ added significance by featuring award presenters such as Kim Jin-soo and Lee Yoon-seok from ‘Hurricane Blue,’ and Lee Sang-yong from ‘Popeye,’ who were stars of a bygone era. Nostalgic shows like ‘We Got Married,’ the ‘Nonstop’ series, ‘Real Men,’ ‘Knee Drop Guru,’ and ‘Guerilla Concert’ were mentioned, evoking memories.
However, there was no mention of ‘Infinite Challenge’ during the retrospective of the 30 years.
‘Infinite Challenge’ originated from ‘Rash Challenge’ in 2005, transitioned through ‘Unreasonable Challenge,’ and changed its title to ‘Infinite Challenge’ in May 2006, leading the golden age of real variety shows. For 13 years, it provided laughter and emotion through the members' ups and downs and challenges, becoming a beloved ‘national entertainment’ show.
Although it ended in 2018, it still enjoys immense popularity. Even after its conclusion, it continues to rank in OTT rewatch lists and is being rebroadcast on cable.
Particularly, the presence of former ‘Infinite Challenge’ members Yoo Jae-suk and Yang Jae-hyung at the ‘2024 MBC Entertainment Awards’ adds to the disappointment. Moreover, it raises questions that MBC recently sold a calendar celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Infinite Challenge’ in 2025.
In response, netizens commented, “It’s strange that there’s no mention of ‘Infinite Challenge’ at the 30th anniversary of MBC entertainment,” “It doesn’t make sense considering the high YouTube views and the recent calendar sales,” and “How can you exclude ‘Infinite Challenge’ from MBC entertainment?”
Meanwhile, the grand prize at the ‘2024 MBC Entertainment Awards’ was awarded to broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo.
