Korea’s floristry industry criticizes LEGO bouquets after Yoo Jae Suk appears with them at ‘2025 MBC Entertainment Awards’

South Korea’s floristry industry has voiced strong opposition after toy flower bouquets were used during a major year-end broadcast awards ceremony, arguing that the decision undermines an already struggling sector.

According to the Korea Florists Association, the group released an official statement on January 10 criticizing the use of toy bouquets at last year’s '2025 MBC Entertainment Awards.'“The use of toy flower bouquets has inflicted yet another wound on flower farmers and florists who are already suffering due to economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending,” the association stated. It added that such choices could lead the public to perceive fresh flower bouquets as inefficient or full of drawbacks.

The association emphasized that South Korea’s floriculture industry supports more than 20,000 small flower shop owners, along with a large number of flower farmers, making fresh flower consumption directly tied to their livelihoods. It further pointed out that the government is actively promoting flower consumption and everyday floral culture through policy measures aimed at developing the floriculture industry.

“In this context, the use of toy flowers on a broadcast program with significant public influence risks undermining these policy efforts,” the association said. The controversy appears to stem from the awards ceremony held on December 29, during which all recipients were presented with bouquets made of LEGO flowers instead of traditional fresh arrangements. This marked the first time a major terrestrial broadcaster replaced live flower bouquets with toy alternatives at an awards show.

Comedian and national MC Yoo Jae Suk was among the award recipients seen holding the LEGO bouquet, drawing further attention to the issue due to his high public profile. The incident has since sparked debate over symbolism, sustainability, and the broader economic impact of creative decisions made by influential broadcast programs.

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