South Korea’s floriculture sector is reeling following a major broadcaster’s decision to replace traditional fresh flower arrangements with bouquets made of LEGO bricks at a high-profile awards ceremony this past December. When revered TV host Yoo Jae Suk accepted his career Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards on December 29, the colorful, non-traditional tribute he held ignited immediate controversy. While MBC seemingly intended an eco-conscious gesture, the move has drawn harsh condemnation from florists and farmers who argue the exposure risks crippling an already vulnerable domestic industry, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of small business owners.
Florists Condemn Symbolic Shift
The Korea Florists Association swiftly denounced the change, issuing a January 10 statement arguing that substituting real flowers with plastic alternatives could diminish public perception of fresh bouquets, suggesting they are inefficient or easily disposable. This symbolic shift occurred on one of the nation’s most visible television stages, amplifying the potential negative influence across South Korean society. The awards show, broadcast by one of the country’s three major terrestrial networks, marked the first time a primary Korean broadcaster opted to eliminate real flowers entirely in favor of a toy substitute, setting a precedent the floristry industry fears could be widely replicated.
The association underscored the precarious state of the domestic flower market. According to 2023 figures, South Korea has approximately 7,100 floriculture farms, a staggering reduction from 13,500 in 2001. This nearly 50 percent decline over two decades highlights deep structural challenges.
“The introduction of toy flower bouquets has inflicted yet another wound on flower farmers and florists already struggling due to the economic slowdown and decreased consumer spending,” the association stated, emphasizing that over 20,000 small flower shop owners rely on fresh flower consumption for survival. They pointed out that this cultural choice actively contradicts governmental efforts to promote everyday floral culture and bolster the floriculture industry.
The Sustainability Debate: Plastic Versus Petals
MBC’s rationale for using LEGO bouquets appears centered on sustainability, citing their reusability and lack of discarded organic waste. However, the environmental merits are complex. While LEGO has integrated bio-polyethylene, derived from sugarcane, into its botanical elements since 2018, critics note that even plant-based plastics are not fully biodegradable and contribute to accumulating microplastics. The estimated 1,500-year lifespan of a single plastic brick contributes to resource accumulation rather than renewal.
Conversely, domestic fresh flower cultivation offers tangible environmental benefits, supporting local agriculture, capturing carbon dioxide, and providing fully biodegradable products. The reliance on locally grown flowers also significantly strengthens rural economies and supports domestic food security initiatives.
Policy Implications and Market Challenges
The controversy places South Korean policymakers in a difficult position. The government has aggressively promoted initiatives designed to boost the floriculture sector, such as the “Flower Road,” which encourages the development of public floral displays. These efforts aim to counteract a persistent struggle: consumer dissatisfaction with domestically grown flowers, which are often perceived as having shorter vase lives and higher prices compared to imports—particularly roses and lilies from countries like the Netherlands and Colombia. Imports now constitute roughly 30 percent of the Korean market.
The highly visible awards show moment potentially undermines these governmental promotional strategies, suggesting the public embrace of non-traditional alternatives over domestic agricultural products.
Moving Forward: Calls for Compromise
The Korea Florists Association has urged event organizers and broadcasters to reconsider the use of plastic substitutes, pointing to the ripple effects across the entire supply chain from farm gate to retail counter.
Industry observers suggest several potential compromises that could merge environmental concerns with industry support:
- Locally Sourced Seasonal Bouquets: Events could mandate the use of in-season, locally grown flowers and implement sophisticated composting programs for post-event organic waste.
- Potted Plants: Presenting long-lasting potted plants, such as orchids or succulents, offers recipients a sustainable item they can continue caring for, reducing waste while supporting horticultural businesses.
The decision to feature LEGO bouquets has sparked a defining debate about cultural values, sustainability, and economic impact in South Korea. The incident underscores a persistent tension between perceived ecological progress and the protection of traditional agricultural livelihoods, raising enduring questions about how high-profile cultural institutions should engage with domestic industries.