Seven stars — Kim Sook, Kim Young-hee, Kim Jong-min, Park Bo-gum, Boom, Lee Chan-won, and Jun Hyun-moo — are officially in a fierce showdown for the top honor at the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards. With the faces who led KBS variety this year all in the mix, anticipation for the Grand Prize race is at an all-time high.
On the 15th, the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards announced its seven Grand Prize nominees. The lineup balances veteran entertainers and fresh breakout acts, making the final outcome nearly impossible to predict.
Kim Sook anchored multiple shows — from Boss in the Mirror and Problem Child in House to Baedal Wassuda and Oraedoen Mannam Chugu — solidifying her presence at the center of KBS variety. Having already won both the Grand Prize and Entertainer of the Year, she's aiming to reclaim the top spot.
Kim Young-hee built a new variety persona through the hit Gag Concert corner Sotongwang Malja Halmae, which resonated across generations. She even launched Malja Show, expanding the concept and proving the potential of a communication-driven variety format beyond simple comedy.
Kim Jong-min has become a symbolic figure of KBS variety on the back of 18 years with 2 Days & 1 Night. He's also active as an MC on The Return of Superman. With both individual and team Grand Prizes already under his belt, fans are watching to see if he can set yet another record.
Park Bo-gum brought a fresh layer to the music talk show scene as the first actor MC — and the longest-running — of The Seasons: Park Bo-gum's Cantabile. Having spent a decade with KBS music programs, from Music Bank to a world tour as MC, Park returns to the Grand Prize race 10 years after his Rookie Award.
Boom solidified his reputation as a trusted host by steadily leading Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, while boosting the mood with his trademark charm on Ganeunjeong Oneunjeong Lee Min-jung. It's his first Grand Prize nomination since receiving the Producer's Special Award, drawing extra attention.
Lee Chan-won dominated shows like Immortal Songs and Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, becoming the youngest male solo Grand Prize winner last year. Now he's aiming for a historic back-to-back win, and all eyes are on his next move.
Jun Hyun-moo showcased seasoned hosting and balanced leadership on both Boss in the Mirror and Crazy Rich Koreans. Having won Entertainer of the Year four years straight, he's widely considered one of the strongest contenders for the Grand Prize.
Meanwhile, the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards will be hosted by Lee Chan-won, Lee Min-jung, and Moon Se-yoon on the 20th at 9:20 p.m. KST at the KBS New Building Open Hall and will air live on KBS2.