When celebrated comedian and host Yoo Jae Suk accepted his 21st Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards on December 29, the unusual accessory in his hands—a vibrant bouquet constructed entirely from LEGO bricks—unintentionally triggered a significant backlash from South Korea’s floriculture sector. The decision by major terrestrial broadcaster MBC to swap traditional fresh flowers for a reusable, toy alternative drew immediate and forceful condemnation from industry groups, who argue the highly visible symbolic gesture threatens the livelihoods of thousands of struggling flower farmers and shop owners.
Florists Condemn Move Amid Declining Consumption
The Korea Florists Association swiftly condemned the broadcaster’s action, issuing a statement on January 10 arguing that replacing natural bouquets risks positioning real flowers as inefficient or disposable luxuries. This public relations blow comes at an especially vulnerable time for the floriculture industry, which has seen its domestic footprint sharply diminish.
According to industry data, the number of floriculture farms in South Korea plummeted nearly 50% from 13,500 in 2001 to approximately 7,100 by 2023. The association emphasized that over 20,000 small flower shop owners, in addition to countless growers, rely on consistent domestic flower consumption to stay viable.
“The introduction 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, underscoring the contradiction posed by the awards show’s choice against ongoing government policies that actively promote everyday floral culture.
The controversy gains particular traction due to the high-profile nature of the MBC awards, one of the nation’s most-watched annual television events. Yoo Jae Suk, South Korea’s most influential TV host, holding the plastic alternative on stage amplified the moment’s visibility and established a precedent that the floristry industry fears other networks and organizations may soon follow.
Challenging the Sustainability Claim
MBC’s rationale for using LEGO bouquets appears to center on environmental responsibility. Non-wilting and indefinitely reusable, the brick arrangements eliminate the waste associated with discarded fresh flowers.
However, the environmental benefits are ecologically complex. While LEGO has integrated bio-polyethylene, a plant-based plastic derived from Brazilian sugarcane, into some botanical elements since 2018, critics note that these plastics are not biodegradable and ultimately contribute to microplastic pollution. Furthermore, the very durability that makes the bouquets appealing—an estimated 1,500-year lifespan for each brick—ensures they will remain in the waste stream indefinitely.
In contrast, domestic fresh flower production offers genuine ecological advantages. Flowers are entirely biodegradable, their cultivation supports agricultural biodiversity, and the growing process naturally captures carbon dioxide. The industry argues that favoring local, natural products strengthens rural economies and aligns more effectively with government-backed sustainability and food security initiatives.
Government Policies Undermined
The controversy has complicated the position of South Korean policymakers. The government has dedicated resources to improving the floriculture sector through initiatives like the “Flower Road” program, which encourages the creation of public flower displays to boost both tourism and domestic consumption.
These efforts are attempting to counteract a severe market penetration by imports, which now account for roughly 30% of consumed florals. The domestic industry is simultaneously battling consumer preference for cheaper, longer-lasting imports—particularly roses and lilies from the Netherlands and Colombia—and struggling to convince the public that flowers should be an everyday staple rather than reserved for special occasions.
The florists association argues that highly visible cultural decisions, such as the one made by MBC, fundamentally undermine the economic stability and cultural value the government is actively trying to restore.
The Korea Florists Association has urged event organizers and broadcasters to reverse similar decisions, emphasizing the extensive ripple effects throughout the supply chain. Suggested compromises include using locally grown, seasonal flowers with robust composting programs, or opting for potted plants that recipients can maintain after the ceremony, thereby fulfilling both aesthetic and sustainable criteria without abandoning the local agricultural sector.