On December 19, SBS’s variety show stars celebrated each other and their programs at the 2020 SBS Entertainment Awards. The ceremony, which was hosted by Lee Seung Gi, Shin Dong Yup, and ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, took place with COVID-19 restrictions in place, such as not holding a red carpet event, having attendees wear masks in the audience, setting up plastic barriers between attendees, and handing out awards with minimal hand-to-hand contact.
The Daesang (Grand Prize) this year went to Kim Jong Kook, who is a fixed cast member on “Running Man,” which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and “My Ugly Duckling,” where he opened up about his healthy living habits and his thoughts on dating and marriage. This is his first Daesang at an Entertainment Awards, although he has won multiple times as a singer.
In his speech, he said, “I was so calm when I received the Daesang as a singer that I later regretted not enjoying myself to the utmost. That’s how valuable I think this award is. I didn’t prepare anything like a speech. As an ordinary human being, I couldn’t prepare a speech, but I also would have been disappointed if I hadn’t won. After the Producers’ Award was announced, I wondered if I could really win the Daesang. I originally appeared on variety shows to promote my career as a singer. I hated it at first, so if Yoo Jae Suk told me to do something, I would silently mouth, ‘Please don’t.’ But now I think variety has become my life.”
He proceeded, "The 'Running Man' individuals have buckled down. I devote this honor to all the individuals." He additionally shared his gratitude to the cast of "My Ugly Duckling" and stated, "I was amazed that individuals came to know our folks through work. The 'My Ugly Duckling' cast advised me to make reference to Tak Jae Hoon on the off chance that I won, so I'll state that he won the Daesang once and fell into a droop, yet I'm not going to do likewise and continue working more earnestly all things being equal."
