'Cheonok Unni' Lee Hyori, 2020 MBC Entertainment Awards 'Absence'..."Wise Decision" Praised

Published 28 Dec.2020 17:09(KST)

On the 28th, Lee Hyori decided not to attend the '2020 MBC Entertainment Awards,' which summarizes MBC variety shows of the year. Photo by MBC.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Singer Lee Hyori has decided not to attend the '2020 MBC Entertainment Awards,' which summarizes MBC variety shows for the year.

On the 28th, the MBC Entertainment Awards organizers announced, "Lee Hyori will not participate in the '2020 MBC Entertainment Awards.'

Currently staying in Jeju Island, Lee Hyori was scheduled to join the congratulatory performance at the awards. However, considering the worsening COVID-19 situation and the special circumstances requiring air travel, she discussed with the production team and decided not to attend.

Therefore, the special stage of the group Refund Expedition, which Lee Hyori is part of, was unfortunately canceled. However, the other members of Refund Expedition?Man-ok (Uhm Jung-hwa), Silbi (Jessie), and Eunbi (Hwasa)?plan to attend the MBC Entertainment Awards.

Fans expressed regret over Lee Hyori's decision but also supported it as a "wise decision considering the COVID-19 situation."

This year, Lee Hyori was active as the sub-character Linda G of Ssaksseuri and Cheon-ok of Refund Expedition through MBC's 'How Do You Play?'

Meanwhile, the 2020 MBC Entertainment Awards will be held strictly following government guidelines related to broadcasting production and thorough quarantine measures.

All attendees will wear masks, maintain a 1-meter distance between seats, and partitions will be installed. Facial recognition fever scanners and full-body disinfectant devices will also be set up.

Award recipients and presenters will proceed in a contactless manner. Trophies will be placed on the award table, and recipients will pick them up themselves.