2025 MBC Entertainment Awards: Kim Sook sparks debate after mentioning Park Na Rae in acceptance speech

2025 MBC Entertainment Awards: Kim Sook sparks debate after mentioning Park Na Rae in acceptance speech

• Kim Sook's speech ignited debate by mentioning Park Na Rae during controversy.
• Netizens were divided over whether Kim Sook should have referenced Park Na Rae
• Some defended Kim Sook, citing her long professional history with Park Na Rae

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The 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards delivered its fair share of memorable moments, but one acceptance speech in particular has continued to dominate online discussions long after the ceremony concluded. Comedian Kim Sook, who took home the Top Excellence Award (Female), found herself at the center of controversy following a brief but pointed mention during her heartfelt speech.

Kim Sook initially expressed surprise and gratitude at receiving such a prestigious honour. She told the audience, “I came here to applaud others, but I am so grateful for such a grand award. Honestly, even last night, I debated on whether or not to come, but imagine if I hadn’t? I’m receiving such a prestigious award.”

Kim Sook went on to thank the production staff, colleagues, and team members who supported her throughout the year. However, it was one specific line that immediately drew attention online. While listing names, she added, “and even our team leader Na Rae,” a reference to fellow comedian Park Na Rae, who has recently stepped away from her program amid ongoing controversies.

The brief mention quickly became a flashpoint on social media and online forums, with netizens expressing sharply divided reactions. Some questioned whether it was appropriate to mention Park Na Rae at all, given the circumstances surrounding her departure. Others defended Kim Sook, pointing out the years of professional collaboration between the two entertainers.

“I wonder if she really had to mention her, considering there are victims,” one netizen wrote on TheQoo. Another echoed a similar sentiment, asking bluntly, “Did she really have to?” Others felt the mention, though brief, was unnecessary, commenting, “I think she just mentioned it because she was listing off the panel members, but I wonder if she really had to.”

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On the other side of the debate, many viewers came to Kim Sook’s defense, arguing that ignoring Park Na Rae altogether might have felt more awkward or insincere. “What Park Na Rae did was wrong, but it’s also weird not to mention her when they’ve worked together for so long,” one comment read. Another added, “It’s going to be more strange for her not to mention her after working on the same show for years.”

Supportive messages also poured in congratulating Kim Sook on her achievement. “Congrats to Sook!” one user wrote, while another noted, “I mean, they’ve worked together for years.”