The Korea Florist Association released a statement regarding the use of toy flowers instead of real bouquets for celebrations at a broadcasting award ceremony, saying, "The use of toy bouquets has caused further pain to florists and flower farmers who are already struggling due to the economic downturn and decreased demands. There is also concern that this might make fresh flower bouquets seem inefficient or full of disadvantages."
The association pointed out, "The domestic flower industry involves about 20,000 small florist businesses and numerous flower farms. This means that the consumption of fresh flowers is directly linked to their livelihoods. Even the government supports policies to promote flower consumption and the promotion of using flowers in daily life through the 'Act on the Development of the Flower Industry and Promotion of Flower Culture.' Using toy flowers on a widely influential broadcast program can cause harm to these policy efforts."
At the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards held on December 29th last year, the winners' bouquets and the overall ceremony used toy flowers. This is the first time MBC has presented toy bouquets instead of fresh flowers at their award show.
Netizens are showing various reactions such as, "People might throw away real flowers, but they'll definitely keep a toy bouquet," "I didn't realize this would harm the flower industry," "I just see it as a unique attempt, " and "Isn't it a matter of freedom of choice? Whether they want to use fresh flowers or artificial ones?"
A florist who prepared bouquets for another broadcasting station's award show shared on social media, "It’s bittersweet to see so many people asking about toy bouquets instead of real flowers during the important graduation season. It’s upsetting because we’re already struggling with the recent rise in flower and labor costs. People are free to use artificial flowers or Lego, but broadcast media has a big influence on consumers, so they should have been more careful."
1. [+2,815][-48] It's up to people whether to use which bouquets... What kind of nonsense is this? Why are these florists trying to restrict consumer's choices??
2. [+2,207][-32] They're just mad because they can't sell expensive bouquets during the year-end peak... Just look at the bouquet prices during graduation season. Besides, they're just luxury goods, not a necessity.
3. [+1,905][-28] I actually think it's better than real flowers, which could be hard to dispose of once they wilt, right? Besides, Yoo Jaesuk has kids at an age where they'd love Lego.
4. [+120][-1] That was clearly a Lego endorsement. If you guys are that upset, you should endorse them too.
5. [+102][-1] "Hurting the industry"ㅋㅋ You must be kidding me.
