Korean netizens have expressed widespread outrage following the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, criticizing the network for its treatment of veteran entertainer Ji Suk Jin.
During the live broadcast, Ji Suk Jin was introduced as a grand prize nominee and was asked to wear a wig prepared by the production team. When introducing Ji Suk Jin as a grand prize candidate, the MCs mentioned, “He recently lost his mother. Also, the production team prepared a wig for him, but he initially didn’t want to wear it,” asking viewers for understanding while putting him on the spot.
Ji Suk Jin responded, “It’s okay,” and wore the prepared hachu-ping wig. He joked, “Wearing this makes me wonder if I’ll win something big, so it makes me a bit greedy. I thought Yoo Jae Suk was the most likely winner, so I kept saying he would get it — and now he’s already won two awards. I think my chances have dropped a lot because of that.” He added, “Honestly, I don’t think it will be me. It feels like someone else, maybe Seo Jang Hoon, will win,” predicting the outcome.
Viewers quickly took to social media to condemn the segment as disrespectful, especially considering Ji Suk Jin recently experienced the loss of his mother. Many argued that referencing his personal bereavement while orchestrating the wig segment went far beyond playful entertainment, with some calling it psychopathic and cruel.
Netizens also criticized SBS for failing to show basic professional courtesy and empathy toward Ji Suk Jin. Many argued that the network treated him like a “prop” for entertainment purposes rather than respecting him as a seasoned entertainer. Comments ranged from frustration at the production team’s decisions to disbelief that a national broadcast would use a family bereavement as a source of humor.
They commented:
"Why did they do something that wasn’t even necessary… and in such a rude way?"
"What was the person who wrote that line even thinking? They need to explain."
"Really unpleasant and rude…"
"Years ago, they tricked him like he was getting it and got criticized… why are they doing this again?"
"Why are they like this… seriously messed up, who would find this funny? Pathetic."
"Why bring up the recent loss of his mother? Super disrespectful, don’t broadcast like that."
"WTF."
"They keep treating Ji Suk Jin so badly."
"Are they psychos?"
"Last time they funneled Ji Suk Jin and Tak Jae Hoon but gave it to Yoo Jae Suk… awards given like garbage."
"Super creepy psychos."
"If one of the two got it, I could understand."
"So angry. They’ve been repeating this meme-like thing with Ji Suk Jin for years, and viewers are outraged, but they don’t see it."
"Such a disrespectful network."
"Ugh, why force such a ridiculous wig? No fun. Damn production team, use it yourself."
"Are they a group of psychos???"
"Why mention the mother’s passing…?"
"Wow..."
"I didn’t even watch, but damn… year-end variety awards are so boring and cliquey."
"This is too much…"
"How can they use a bereavement like that? Super creepy, rude, and mocking — this crosses all lines."
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below!
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