Was he conscious of the controversy over unfair treatment? Producer Ji Seok-jin said, "It's so disappointing."

Ji Seok-jin, who was excluded from the grand prize nominations, won the Producer Award at the '2023 SBS Entertainment Awards'

The '2023 SBS Entertainment Awards' was held at 8:35 pm on the 30th at SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Broadcaster Lee Sang-min, model Lee Hyun-i, and actress Kim Ji-eun served as MCs.

Ji Seok-jin of ‘Running Man’ won the Producer Award. On this day, Ji Suk-jin was unable to attend the awards ceremony due to health reasons, and Yoo Jae-seok accepted the award on his behalf.

Yoo Jae-seok went on stage with Ji Seok-jin's panel and called Ji Seok-jin, saying, "If you're watching, Seoksam (Ji Seok-jin) might want to talk about his thoughts, so I'll make a quick phone call." As the connection time became longer, Yoo Jae-seok asked for understanding, and the Running Man members said to the camera, "Hyung, answer the phone."

Ji Seok-jin, who answered the phone after several attempts, said, "I have to go out to receive the award, but I am so disappointed. It was an award that I really wanted to receive, chosen by the producers." He continued, “I’m fine,” and joked, “The reason I couldn’t go out today was because there was an article that was published, so it was a little ambiguous, so I couldn’t go out.”

Ji Seok-jin said, "I sincerely congratulate the 'Running Man' team on receiving the program award. I am watching with pride at home," and promised to return, saying, "I will meet the viewers on 'Running Man' soon."

Meanwhile, Ji Seok-jin was mentioned as a strong candidate for the grand prize in 2021 and 2022, but he failed each time. In 2021, Ji Suk-jin was given the 'Honorary Employee Award' after giving him a great atmosphere, and last year, Ji Suk-jin was only ranked as an attaché. The grand prize went to Yoo Jae-seok. This even sparked a controversy over neglect. Recently, he temporarily left 'Running Man' due to health reasons.

Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr