By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Former ssireum (Korean wrestling) champion and now popular television host Kang Ho-dong won the KBS Entertainment Awards Grand Prize Saturday.
The 38-year-old stood up as soon as he heard his name called and hugged his colleagues, including fellow host, friend and comedian Yoo Jae-suk.
``Jae-suk, is it okay for me to accept this award?'' Kang asked as he stood on stage for his acceptance speech. Yoo smiled from the audience and gave a thumbs up.
The two hosts and friends have been competing for the grand prizes major networks give out at their year-end events, and it was evident that Yoo was just as happy as Kang for his win. The competitions will continue with the SBS and MBC Awards next week.
``I would like the share the honor with my good friend Yoo, who has shown me what it takes to become a good host,'' he added.
Kang was given the award for his dedication as the main host in the hit program ``One Day Two Nights,'' a favorite for its humor as its six hosts journey Korea, visiting village after village.
``I made my debut on KBS in ssireum. Now, 20 years later, I have been given an award for entertainment. I am so grateful and not sure if I am even qualified,'' said Kang.
He wrapped up his speech by promising that he will continue with ``One Day Two Nights'' for another year.
Kang was a ssireum champion for three consecutive years from 1990. In 1993, he became a comedian through major network MBC and has now become one the country's most popular comedians and television hosts.