The South Korean floriculture sector is reeling following a high-profile decision by broadcaster MBC to substitute traditional floral arrangements with plastic brick bouquets at its annual entertainment awards, a move the industry association termed a “devastating blow” to struggling growers. When top comedian Yoo Jae Suk accepted his record 21st Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards on December 29, the colorful LEGO bouquet he held sparked an immediate and unexpected controversy over the perceived diminishing value of real flowers.
The Korea Florists Association swiftly condemned the choice, stating on January 10 that utilizing toy alternatives risks portraying authentic flowers as inefficient or disposable, an existential threat to an industry already facing crippling decline. This incident magnified the fragility of the domestic floriculture supply chain, which includes farmers and over 20,000 small flower shop owners.
Floriculture Suffers Sharp Contraction
Data compiled by the association illustrates a sobering trend: South Korea saw its floriculture farm count nearly halve over two decades, dropping from 13,500 in 2001 to approximately 7,100 by 2023. This contraction coincides with reduced consumer spending and an overall perception of flowers as a luxury item rather than an everyday purchase.
The use of highly visible plastic flowers at a major televised event risks undermining ongoing government efforts, such as the “Flower Road” initiative, which aims to cultivate everyday flower culture and support local growers. An industry statement emphasized that the symbolic choice inflicted “yet another wound on flower farmers and florists who are already suffering due to economic slowdown.”
Symbolic Shift Draws Scrutiny
MBC, one of the nation’s three main terrestrial broadcasters, elevated the controversy by introducing the plastic bouquets during one of the year’s most-watched programs, with South Korea’s most influential host as a recipient. This marked the first instance a major Korean network eliminated genuine flowers for a novelty substitute, setting a precedent the floristry industry deeply fears other organizations will follow.
The sustainability rationale cited by the broadcaster—that plastic bouquets are reusable and eliminate waste—is facing complexity under scrutiny. While LEGO has integrated some materials derived from sugarcane, critics point out that these bio-plastics are not biodegradable, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution and long-term plastic accumulation.
Conversely, fresh flowers offer verifiable environmental benefits. They are fully biodegradable, support agricultural ecosystems, sequester carbon dioxide during growth, and bolster local rural economies—aligning with broader national sustainability goals. Furthermore, the focus on domestic production helps strengthen industry resilience against rising import competition, which now accounts for about 30 percent of the nation’s total flower consumption.
Policy Dilemma and Future Steps
The incident has placed South Korean policymakers in a delicate position, forced to reconcile active support for the agricultural sector with cultural trends. The florists association has urgently requested that broadcasters and event organizers reverse similar policies, warning of detrimental ripple effects throughout the supply chain.
Industry observers suggest potential compromises if sustainability is the core objective. Alternatives could involve exclusively sourcing locally grown, seasonal flowers and implementing robust post-event composting programs, or utilizing long-lasting potted plants that recipients can maintain rather than discarding cut arrangements.
Ultimately, the popularity of the plastic bouquets represents a cultural collision between modern innovation and traditional industry stability. The controversy sparked by the year-end awards highlights compelling questions about how Korean society values its local farmers and whether technological novelties will permanently displace economically vital agricultural traditions. The long-term economic and cultural impact of the plastic bouquet remains a central concern for the nation’s increasingly fragile floriculture sector.