When beloved comedian Yoo Jae Suk accepted his monumental 21st Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards on December 29, the symbolic shift in his hands ignited a fierce debate across South Korea, where the customary fresh floral arrangements were replaced by brightly colored bouquets crafted entirely from LEGO bricks. This creative, seemingly eco-conscious choice by the major broadcaster has triggered immediate condemnation from the struggling domestic floriculture industry, which argues the precedent delivers a severe blow to growers and small business owners dependent on fresh flower consumption.
Floristry Industry Faces Unintended Economic Fallout
The Korea Florists Association swiftly voiced its outrage, asserting in a January 10 press statement that MBC’s decision risks normalizing the perception that real flowers are inefficient or disposable. For an industry already grappling with rapid decline, the visibility of the broadcast decision—particularly involving the nation’s most influential television host—is feared to set a damaging trend.
Statistics reveal the precarious state of Korean floriculture. The number of operating floriculture farms plummeted by nearly 50% between 2001 and 2023, dropping from 13,500 to approximately 7,100. Furthermore, the association highlighted that over 20,000 small flower shop owners rely on sustained consumer demand for their livelihoods.
“The introduction of toy flower bouquets has inflicted yet another wound on flower farmers and florists already suffering due to economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending,” the association stated, noting that the move directly contradicts government policies designed to foster everyday floral culture and support the sector. This marks the first instance a major South Korean broadcaster eschewed real flowers entirely for an awards ceremony, creating a precedent feared by growers.
Sustainability Claims Under Scrutiny
MBC likely promoted the LEGO bouquets as an environmentally friendly alternative, citing their reuse potential and the elimination of organic waste associated with wilted flowers. However, the true sustainability of the plastic alternative is contested.
While LEGO produces some botanical elements from bio-polyethylene derived from sugarcane, critics point out that even plant-based plastics are not fully biodegradable and contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution. The very durability that makes the toy bricks appealing—an estimated lifespan of 1,500 years—also means they contribute to long-term plastic waste accumulation on Earth.
In contrast, fresh flowers offer verifiable environmental benefits. They are fully biodegradable, support local ecosystems, and domestic cultivation aids local food security and captures atmospheric carbon dioxide. The industry argues these factors align more closely with national sustainability goals than imported, non-degradable toy components.
Amplified Impact Undermines Policy Efforts
The controversy gained particular traction because of the wide viewership of the year-end awards ceremony and the centrality of the participating figures. The timing is notably unfortunate, as the floriculture sector has already lost 46% of its grower base between 2000 and 2020, facing stiff competition from imports currently accounting for nearly 30% of the market.
This cultural moment directly clashes with active government initiatives, such as the “Flower Road” movement, which promotes public flower displays to boost tourism and support domestic growers. Industry stakeholders worry that the symbolic embrace of plastic alternatives by an influential broadcaster undermines years of effort dedicated to elevating the domestic flower market.
Search for a Balanced Approach
Public opinion remains divided, with some social media users applauding the LEGO bouquets as innovative collectibles while florists stress the financial repercussions felt down the supply chain.
The Korea Florists Association has urged major television networks and event organizers to reconsider policies that substitute fresh arrangements with non-floral alternatives. Industry analysts suggest potential compromises could involve utilizing locally sourced, seasonal flowers complimented by robust composting programs, or selecting potted plants that recipients can maintain and reuse indefinitely.
Ultimately, the small plastic bouquet wielded by a national icon has exposed a critical tension between innovation, perceived environmental consciousness, and the unintended collective economic impact on a vulnerable agricultural sector, raising vital questions about how South Korea values and supports its traditional industries.