Former volleyball legend Kim Yeon-koung and former MMA star Choi Hong-man took home Rookie of the Year at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards.
At the ceremony held on the 29th at the MBC Media Center Public Hall in Sangam-dong, Kim Yeon-koung (Female), Choi Hong-man (Male), and THE BOYZ member Eric (Radio) each won Rookie of the Year.
Kim Yeon-koung, who drew buzz with Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung, began her speech: "I honestly didn't expect this, so I didn't even write an acceptance speech. I talked about whether I should prepare one, but I didn't manage to." She added, "This year, shows centered on volleyball received so much love, which made this even more meaningful to me. Thank you to all the production staff." She also thanked the athletes, saying, "They worked so hard. I'm grateful."
She concluded, "Winning Rookie of the Year feels like a sign to keep appearing on TV from time to time. I'll continue to do that."
Choi Hong-man also won Male Rookie of the Year for his appearances on Omniscient Interfering View and Hangout with Yoo. He said, "It's my first Rookie award since I received one as an athlete 20 years ago," adding, "The person I'm most grateful to is the writer of 'Omniscient Interfering View.'" He thanked the production team and dedicated the award to his late mother, moving the audience.
Meanwhile, a wide range of variety shows were nominated for Variety Program of the Year, including Hangout with Yoo, Extreme84, I Live Alone, Radio Star, The King of Mask Singer, Show! Music Core, Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung, Omniscient Interfering View, Adventure by Accident 4, Puk Swimyeon Dahaeng-iya, Where is My Home.