As we earlier reported, entertainer and MC, Kang Ho Dong will be taking a temporary leave from the entertainment industry following his alleged participation in a tax evasion scheme. This meant the entertainer could not attend any of the end of year awards nor be nominated for the awards. Despite his absence, many of the celebrities who did receive an award did not ignore his absence as they expressed their desires in their thank you speech.

Stars who mentioned Kang Ho Dong included, ‘Running Man‘s Yoo Jae Suk who won the prestigious ‘Daesang’, ‘Strong Heart’s Lee Seung Gi, Kim Byung Man of ‘Law of the Jungle‘ who both won the award for Best Excellence Awards for Talk Show & Variety Programs.

Yoo Jae Suk who is also Kang Ho Dong’s biggest rival, expressed his feelings during his thank you speech after receiving the ‘Daesang’. He stated, “I am hesitant to say these words in fear that they will hurt my hyungnim but… I spoke too him not long ago. Towards the end of our conversation he said, “Jaesuk, be strong and march forward.” I really miss you. I will be strong and march forward, just as you said, but I would like to take that journey with you.”

Lee Seung Gi who worked alongside the entertainer on Strong Heart revealed, “Kang Ho Dong hyungnim, you always made me feel secure by looking closely after me. I never felt burdened because you were there with me, but now your absence feels like a tremendous void. I really want to hear your hearty laugh. I really want to tell you that I miss you dearly.”

Cho Hae Ryun who was awarded the Talk Show Excellence Award also stated, “Our Ho Dong who has always cheered us on in the dressing room is taking some time off right now, but next year I hope to lead the programs with him.”

Lee Teuk who is part of Strong Heart’s Boom Academy did not forget to mention his sunbae either, as he remarked, “Dear Kang Ho Dong sunbaenim who never failed to give brutal advice! The place you belong is not there, but here. Please, hurry back.” His speech was followed up by Boom holding a photo of Kang Ho Dong where Lee Tuek also danced his signature ‘Boom’ dance.

It seems his co-workers all really do miss Kang Ho Dong. Hopefully the situation gets rectified soon for the sake of the entertainment industry and Kang Ho Dong’s sincere fans. On another note, congratulations to the winners of those awards!

Source