2020 Award Shows Advance Under the New Normal
Award shows are the highlight of the year that provide visual signals indicating the start of a new year. A standing ceremonial event presenting a grand recollection of the year, they serve as the foundation for what seems like a mini tradition. Families get together in front of the television to reminisce about the past and welcome the new year ahead with the countdowns headed by the hosts of the shows.
However, the coronavirus’s looming presence landed a heavy strike on society, including the entertainment industry. The unprecedented virus has drastically transformed the format of the traditional annual award shows; respecting COVID-19 safety guidelines, all entertainment awards, drama awards, and musical festivals proceeded under strict regulations with a minimum number of staff and participants allowed in the enclosed location.
As a result, special interactions among artists from various fields were nowhere to be seen. It’s quite a shame that these interactions have been lost as many fans look forward to them every year, but it is necessary to bid farewell to those bonding times caught on camera in order to ensure prevention of illness. Let’s take a closer look at how each of the major Korean broadcasting stations responded to the pandemic and safely carried out the annual ceremonies in their own ways.
2020 SBS Entertainment Awards
The 2020 SBS Entertainment Awards ceremony aired on December 19. As the first of the three entertainment awards to be broadcasted, it was highly anticipated in terms of how the show would be conducted in the midst of a global pandemic.
Entertainer Shin Dongyup, singer and actor Lee Seunggi, and ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo fulfilled their roles as the show emcees, joining many entertainers on their unforgettable night. Throwing witty remarks here and there, the three stars loosened up the tension in the atmosphere and presented viewers as well as celebrities with an unforgettable night in 2020.
Cast members of SBS variety programs appeared on site just like any other year, but what stood out the most was the personalized face masks resting on everyone’s faces. Sitting near fellow participants while separated by clear acrylic boards ensured a safer environment in which minimal physical contact would take place.
2020 KBS Entertainment Awards
Home to a number of nationally-loved programs, KBS held its annual entertainment awards ceremony on December 24. Entertainer Jun Hyunmoo, actress Jin Seyeon, and comedian Kim Junhyun appeared as the three main emcees for the night.
KBS decided to take on the challenge of presenting the format of a hybrid award show. From emcees hosting live on set to showing pre-recorded award acceptance speeches, everyone came together despite hardships to make this happen.
Presenters of the awards made sure to take precautionary measures by practicing social distancing and wearing masks; standing apart from each other on opposite ends of the stage, a number of celebrity pairs (artist Jessi, entertainer Yoo Jaesuk, members of 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4 (Kim Seonho, Yeon Junghoon, Ravi, Dindin, and Moon Seyoon), and former soccer player Lee Donggook and his daughter Jeasi––just to name a few) made their way to celebrate the hard work of the award candidates and recipients. Award recipients received their grand prize ahead of time and delivered their messages of gratitude through pre-recordings. Along with the winners genuinely thanking staff and loved ones for their efforts, many created a connection with the audience as they mentioned their sadness in acknowledgement of the untact––or contact-free––era that we are currently living in.
The ceremony showcased special stages performed by candidates of the “Best Program Award”; starting off with the warm and comforting festive medley by the children of The Return of Superman that opened up the award show, the six 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4 members staged the final performance of the show with TAEMIN’s “Move” choreography that they learned earlier on in the year. Decked out in suits, the cast presented a remarkable performance along with the awe-striking intro Ravi put on in honor of the show’s ongoing project “Feel the Rhythm of Korea.” Be sure to check out the two videos linked below to see how much the members improved over time (or did they?)!
2020 MBC Entertainment Awards
The 2020 MBC Entertainment Awards took place on December 29, a step closer to the new year. As always, the awards ceremony consisted of the full package––performances, distanced interactions, and the notable teamwork of the emcees. Entertainer Jun Hyunmoo, comedienne Jang Doyeon, and actor Ahn Bohyun showed off their budding chemistry that enhanced the entertaining aspects of the award ceremony.
Like SBS, celebrities who have worked hard to present laughter and warmth throughout the year were present at the 2020 MBC Entertainment Awards ceremony itself. It felt a bit more lively with the increased presence of people, but of course, it was not the same with the precautions that prevented us from seeing the stars’ smiling faces.
2020 was truly an unforgettable year, especially with all the ups and downs that we faced. While it is unfortunate that we weren’t able to see the nervous laughters, smiling faces, and overjoyous tears of celebrities at this year’s shows, the award ceremonies definitely fulfilled their roles in generating a sense of a grand finale for both the stars and the audience alike.
Here’s a big round of applause for everyone for getting through the rough times of 2020, and we hope this new year will be full of happiness only!