Park Bo Gum’s Nomination For KBS Entertainment Awards Causes Debate
Park Bo Gum is facing controversy over his grand prize nomination at the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards.
The official list of seven grand prize nominees dropped on January 15. The lineup includes Kim Sook, Kim Young Hee, Kim Jong Min, Boom, Lee Chan Won, Jun Hyun Moo—and Park Bo Gum.
The surprise? Park Bo Gum is an actor, not a traditional comedian or broadcaster like the others.
He’s nominated thanks to his work as MC on The Seasons – Park Bo Gum’s Cantabile. He’s the first actor MC and the longest-running host in The Seasons history. Plus, he’s been involved in KBS music shows for nearly 10 years, including as Music Bank MC and world tour MC.
Still, many fans are scratching their heads online.
“Among the seven nominees, Park Bo Gum is the only non-comedian, so it feels unfamiliar,” one netizen said.
“Isn’t the Entertainment Awards supposed to be for entertainers?” another asked.
Others jumped to defend him.
“Watching Cantabile, it’s easy to understand his qualifications,” a supporter wrote.
“Although an actor, his skills as an entertainment MC are clear,” another commented.
The buzz is real. Some say Park Bo Gum should get a special or producer’s award instead because previous winners have mostly been comedians or broadcasters. Others argue if you count overall contribution to entertainment, he fits.
This nomination shines a spotlight on Park Bo Gum and stirs debate ahead of the awards ceremony.
The other six nominees are all strong contenders:
- Kim Sook (key figure, past grand prize winner)
- Kim Young Hee (known for Gag Concert and Malja Show)
- Kim Jong Min (2 Days & 1 Night icon, aiming for a record 4th grand prize)
- Boom (steady host on Fun-Staurant and Heart on Wheels)
- Lee Chan Won (youngest winner last year, going for 2-peat)
- Jun Hyun Moo (top MC, 4-time consecutive Entertainer of the Year winner)
With this fierce competition, the conversation about whether Park Bo Gum belongs only heats up.
Fans and critics alike are watching closely as the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards approach.
