Comedian Byun Ki Soo has sparked controversy by publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the results of the 2024 KBS Entertainment Awards.

On December 21, Byun Ki Soo posted a photo of aespa's Karina and Zico receiving the Rookie Award in the Show & Variety category on his social media. Alongside the photo, he wrote a short caption: "Couldn't they at least give one award to a comedian? This entertainment awards show only takes care of singers."

At the KBS Entertainment Awards held that day, the Rookie Award winners were Karina from 'Synchro U' and Zico from 'The Seasons,' who are not traditional entertainers but singers. Similarly, in the Reality category, actor Lee Sang Woo from 'Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant' and singer Park Seo Jin from 'Mr. House Husband' were awarded Rookie Awards. Byun Ki Soo's comment shows his dissatisfaction with the lack of awards given to comedians.

This year’s KBS Entertainment Awards saw an unusually high number of non-comedians winning major awards. In the Show & Variety Excellence category, singer-turned-entertainer Lee Joon and rapper Lee Young Ji won. The Grand Prize in the Reality category went to singer Jang Min Ho and former fencing national team member Kim Jun Ho. The prestigious Grand Prize was awarded to singer Lee Chan Won.

Byun Ki Soo’s statement sparked a debate on online communities and social media. Some argue that comedians have every right to feel slighted, while others counter that the growing participation of singers and actors in entertainment shows is a natural evolution.

Veteran entertainer Lee Kyung Kyu also made headlines in September when he lamented the state of the entertainment industry. Referring to last year’s MBC Entertainment Awards, where webtoon artist Kian84 won the Grand Prize, he remarked, “We’re done.”

Netizens who support Byun Ki Soo’s perspective commented, “It’s true that comedians are relatively sidelined,” “What he said is completely valid from a comedian’s point of view,” and “How is it an entertainment awards show when singers sweep all the awards?”

On the other hand, critics said, “Nowadays, comedians aren’t as funny or entertaining as singers, so it’s no surprise they’re winning,” “Comedians should reflect on themselves instead of blaming others. Honestly, they’re not funny,” and “Times have changed; entertainment awards are no longer exclusively for comedians.”

Other online users also debated on this topic and commented: 

"I think all the funny comedians transitioned to YouTube."

"I guess they had no one to give the awards to."

"They're stingy when it comes to comedians, but they generously reward singers even if they do just a little well."

"He should first think about why comedy programs got canceled."

"If they were funny, they would've gotten the awards."

"It's been so long that I've watched TV so I don't even know who appears in what programs."

"Variety programs are losing popularity."

"These award shows are basically a popularity contest, that's why."

"I was thinking a lot of singers are getting these awards."

"I think he's saying something about Karina getting the rookie award."

"I was kind of thinking Karina was a random one to win."

"I agree with him. If they wanted to give awards to singers, they could've just given them a popularity award."

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