By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Former ssireum (Korean wrestling) champion and now popular television host Kang Ho-dong won the KBS Entertainment Awards Grand Prize Saturday.

The 38-year-old stood up as soon as he heard his name called and hugged his colleagues, including fellow host, friend and comedian Yoo Jae-suk.

''Jae-suk, is it okay for me to accept this award?'' Kang asked as he stood on stage for his acceptance speech. Yoo smiled from the audience and gave a thumbs up.

The two hosts and friends have been competing for the grand prizes major networks give out at their year-end events, and it was evident that Yoo was just as happy as Kang for his win. The competitions will continue with the SBS and MBC Awards next week.

''I would like the share the honor with my good friend Yoo, who has shown me what it takes to become a good host,'' he added.

Kang was given the award for his dedication as the main host in the hit program ''One Day Two Nights,'' a favorite for its humor as its six hosts journey Korea, visiting village after village.

''I made my debut on KBS in ssireum. Now, 20 years later, I have been given an award for entertainment. I am so grateful and not sure if I am even qualified,'' said Kang.

He wrapped up his speech by promising that he will continue with ''One Day Two Nights'' for another year.

Kang was a ssireum champion for three consecutive years from 1990. In 1993, he became a comedian through major network MBC and has now become one the country's most popular comedians and television hosts.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr