Lee Seo Jin to skip SBS Entertainment Awards, citing long ceremony

Actor Lee Seo Jin has publicly stated his intention not to attend this year's SBS Entertainment Awards. Following his win of the Excellence Award at last year's ceremony, there is speculation that he could be a candidate for an award again this year, but Lee made his intention to skip the event clear, citing the reason that "the awards ceremony is too long." He even showcased his signature blunt wit by joking that he might have refused even if he had won the 'Best Couple Award.'

On the 28th, during a press conference for the SBS variety program "Secretary Team" held at the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee Seo Jin reflected on last year's SBS Entertainment Awards and was asked about his attendance at this year's ceremony. Lee Seo Jin, Kim Kwang Kyu, and PD Kim Jeong-uk attended the event.

"Secretary Team" is a variety show with a concept where Lee Seo Jin and Kim Kwang Kyu act as a type of "life secretary," closely managing the daily lives of stars. During its broadcast last year, it recorded a peak viewership rating of 5.3% and secured digital buzz that is difficult to capture through TV viewership ratings alone, with cumulative video clip views exceeding 170 million.

The two men jointly won the Excellence Award in the show variety category at last year's SBS Entertainment Awards. At the time, some speculated they might win the Best Couple Award based on their chemistry, but it did not lead to an award in that category.

Regarding this, Kim Kwang Kyu said, "I wasn't expecting it, but since they said I would definitely receive it, I prepared myself mentally," adding, "There was a little bit of regret."

However, Lee Seo Jin's reaction was different. He stated, "I am not disappointed at all about the Best Couple Award," and added, "Even if they had given it to us, I might have refused." While expressing gratitude for receiving the Excellence Award, he revealed, "Because the awards ceremony is too long, I intend not to attend this year. I don't want to attend."

His remarks prioritize fatigue regarding the ceremony itself over any desire for awards. However, considering Lee Seo Jin's characteristic dry jokes and direct way of speaking, it is possible to interpret his comments as a personal opinion expressed at the scene rather than a final confirmation of his absence.

Lee Seo Jin also spoke candidly about the future competitive landscape and goals of "Secretary Team." In particular, mentioning MBC's "Home Alone," which airs in the same time slot, he said, "We compete with 'Home Alone' in the same time slot, and since we have never beaten them, our goal is to win once."

He continued with a joke, "If that happens, I hope Kim Kwang Kyu hyung receives the Grand Prize. Isn't he originally from 'Home Alone'? He's betraying them to do 'Secretary Team.'" Laughter erupted at the scene as Kim Kwang Kyu retorted, "Don't mess with my home base."

Kim Kwang Kyu increased his public recognition in the past by showing the daily life of a middle-aged man living alone through "Home Alone." Later, as he worked with Lee Seo Jin in "Secretary Team," their bickering relationship based on their actual friendship became a major element of the program's fun.

However, Lee Seo Jin himself offered a somewhat skeptical outlook regarding the sustainability of "Secretary Team." When asked who he would want to receive service from if he were in the position of being served, he said, "If Kim Kwang Kyu comes as a secretary, I will refuse," and added, "I wish young and physically strong people would come."

He further added, "This hyung is turning 60 the day after tomorrow. Unlike last year, I can feel that both of our physical strengths are declining. I think Season 2 might be the last."

This can be read as more than just a simple joke; it reflects the realistic concern that the physical burden is increasing from appearing in a long-running variety program. While the relationship between the two is the core strength of "Secretary Team," concerns about the program's longevity are inevitable given the need to handle continuous filming and a repetitive format.

In variety shows, Lee Seo Jin has built his own character through his unique way of speaking—using indifferent expressions, cynical jokes, and observing situations from a distance rather than using exaggerated reactions. His appearances in programs from Na Yeong-seok PD's production team, such as "Grandpas Over Flowers," "Youn's Kitchen," and "Seojin's," are also evaluated as cases where he expanded this character into mainstream variety grammar.

This tendency has not changed much in "Secretary Team." While taking on the role of looking after the daily lives of stars, he shows an attitude that seems to cross the line between service provider and beneficiary, forming a unique relationship with Kim Kwang Kyu.

Although Lee Seo Jin has already had his achievements as an entertainer recognized with last year's award, his focus this year seems to be more on the program's competitiveness and physical sustainability than on trophies. Whether his declaration to skip the SBS Entertainment Awards holds true, and whether "Secretary Team" can establish itself as a long-term variety brand beyond Season 2, remains to be seen.