Actress Ok Ja-yeon has become a hot topic following her acceptance speech at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, where she took home the Best Entertainer Award (Female) for her appearance on “I Live Alone” ( 나 혼자 산다 ). While many were moved by her heartfelt words, others argued that her five-minute-long speech was excessive and disrespectful — especially as it reportedly outlasted the grand prize winner’s speech.
In her Instagram post the following day, Ok Ja-yeon expressed disbelief over the win, writing: “Sometimes, the unimaginable happens.” She thanked the “I Live Alone” production team for sincerely portraying her “small and clumsy” life and credited the viewers’ love for giving her courage and comfort throughout her first year on reality TV.
However, the real stir began during the live broadcast. Onstage, Ok opened up about her struggles with vulnerability as a public figure, confessing: “It felt embarrassing and even scary to show a life that seems so ordinary.” She continued by sharing how the program helped her realize that “it’s okay to be myself, even if I’m not polished.”
“When I first started ‘I Live Alone,’ I felt embarrassed and scared about revealing my daily life. I felt pressured to always appear glamorous as a celebrity, but viewers embraced even my ordinary side with warmth, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
“I realized that variety programs, like films, dramas, and theater, are collaborative works created through the dedication of many people. I came to understand how ‘I Live Alone’ is the result of everyone’s hard work.”
“I still have a little more to say. I actually thought about what I might want to say if I ever stood on this stage. As an actor, I meet audiences through characters, but entertainers stand in front of countless eyes with nowhere to hide. I wanted to say here that comedians are incredibly brave and admirable people whom I deeply respect.”
Despite the emotional depth of her message, the speech reportedly extended beyond five minutes. As the production team signaled her to wrap up with applause cues, Ok calmly responded: “I’m not finished yet,” and went on to thank her agency, family, and friends by name.
This move triggered divided reactions online.
Some netizens criticized the lengthy speech, writing:
- “It was disrespectful to go on longer than the grand prize winner.”
- “She should have respected the producer’s wrap-up signals.”
- “This is live television. You can’t take up that much time.”
Others, however, were more supportive:
- “You could tell she was overwhelmed with emotion. That award must’ve meant so much to her.”
- “It’s rare to see someone express such sincerity. I actually liked it.”
- “Let her have her moment — it’s not like she wins awards every day.”
The incident sparked wider discussions on how long acceptance speeches should be and whether emotional authenticity justifies breaking unwritten broadcast norms.
Regardless of the backlash, Ok Ja-yeon’s reflection on her journey resonated with many, especially her tribute to reality entertainers: “I’ve come to deeply respect variety show stars. They stand with nowhere to hide, lowering themselves just to make others laugh.”
Whether deemed excessive or endearing, Ok Ja-yeon’s speech certainly left a lasting impression.
Sources: allkpop