Lee Sang-min Wins Grand Prize at 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards

In April, broadcaster Lee Sang-min, who registered his marriage with a non-celebrity 10 years his junior, has been honored with the grand prize. Previously, Lee's remarriage led to the conclusion of his appearance on 'Shoes Off, Single for Men,' which naturally resulted in his departure from the show.

On the evening of the 30th, the '2025 SBS Entertainment Awards' took place at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, hosted by Jun Hyun-moo, Cha Tae-hyun, and Lee Su-ji.

The prestigious award of the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards went to Lee Sang-min. When his name was called, Lee momentarily seemed in disbelief and did not immediately rise from his seat, drawing attention. Lee expressed, "I started the first recording of 'My Ugly Duckling' in a house without an air conditioner. I just showed my life as it is, and I never expected to receive such immense love. I was able to gradually repay the debt I thought I would never escape from through broadcasting."

He continued, "From the moment I had to say goodbye to my mother, I went through tough times and eventually got married. I am grateful to the producers and writers who reinterpreted my life and showed it to the audience. I just showed myself as I am, including on 'Single for Men,' and I am thankful for receiving such a significant award."

He added, "I received so much love from SBS that I feel I could never repay it in a lifetime. I feel sorry that I couldn't share this award with Seo Jang-hoon and Ji Seok-jin, who were also nominees."

Lee also mentioned his wife, saying, "Since getting married, I haven't done anything for her. We didn't have a wedding or a honeymoon. I think this award should go to my wife, who has been my greatest gift in life, supporting and loving me by my side."
Finally, Lee stated, "Some might wonder why I received the grand prize. But I really worked hard at SBS. I will strive to live an even more wonderful life so as not to be a burden to SBS, where my entire life is stored, and I will do my best every day."

This year's grand prize nominees included Yoo Jae-suk, Jun Hyun-moo, Tak Jae-hoon, Shin Dong-yup, Lee Sang-min, Seo Jang-hoon, and Ji Seok-jin. However, with Lee Sang-min winning the grand prize, Ji Seok-jin once again missed the chance to win, leaving a sense of disappointment as his first attempt at winning the grand prize in 32 years of debut was unsuccessful.

Reported by Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr