In a move that brings a sense of prestige and veteran expertise to one of K-pop’s most storied award ceremonies, Super Junior’s leader, Leeteuk, has been officially confirmed as the host for the upcoming 35th Seoul Music Awards.
On May 6, 2026, the organizing committee announced that the “Master of Ceremonies” will be returning to the SMA stage, marking a significant milestone for both the artist and the event.
Scheduled to take place on June 20, 2026, at the state-of-the-art Inspire Arena in Incheon, the ceremony is set to celebrate three and a half decades of musical excellence with Leeteuk at the helm.
Leeteuk is widely regarded as one of the most capable and charismatic hosts in the Korean entertainment industry.
His ability to navigate live broadcasts with wit, composure, and a deep respect for his fellow artists has made him a staple for high-profile events.
This appointment is particularly meaningful as it represents a “decade-long homecoming.”
The committee noted that Leeteuk’s presence will provide a bridge between the legendary history of the Seoul Music Awards and the modern, global era of K-pop that the 35th anniversary aims to highlight.
A Decade in the Making: The Significance of Leeteuk’s Return
This hosting gig marks the first time Leeteuk has led the Seoul Music Awards in exactly ten years.
He last served as the MC for the ceremony back in 2015, during a period when Super Junior was further solidifying its status as a global Hallyu leader.
His return for the 35th anniversary is seen as a strategic move to lend a sense of gravity and continuity to the milestone event.
Fans have expressed immense excitement on social media, noting that “having Leeteuk as the MC ensures the show will run smoothly” even during the unpredictable moments of a live award show.
The organizers emphasized that Leeteuk was their top choice for this specific anniversary. A representative from the committee stated,
“We are delighted to have Leeteuk back for this special 35th edition.
His experience and professional ‘flow’ are exactly what we need to honor the legacy of the Seoul Music Awards while celebrating the incredible talent of the past year.”
This sentiment highlights the trust the industry places in his skills, especially given the scale of the Inspire Arena venue, which is expected to host thousands of international fans.
Building Anticipation for a Star-Studded Night
The confirmation of Leeteuk as the host is just the first step in a series of major announcements for the 35th Seoul Music Awards.
Along with the MC news, the committee has begun rolling out the first lineup of performing artists, which includes groups like BOYNEXTDOOR and HORI7ON.
The inclusion of Leeteuk ensures that these younger artists will have a seasoned guide throughout the evening, helping to create a cohesive narrative for the global broadcast.
As the ceremony utilizes a “Single Grand Prize” (Daesang) format, the role of the MC is crucial in building the tension and excitement leading up to the night’s final, most prestigious reveal.
For Leeteuk, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year filled with both group activities and individual projects.
His return to the SMA stage reinforces his status as an indispensable figure in the K-pop world, one who has successfully transitioned from a powerhouse performer to a respected industry leader.
As June 20 approaches, the focus will remain on how Leeteuk will balance the nostalgia of the 35th anniversary with the high-energy, modern performances slated for the night.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the official SMA platforms for further news on co-hosts and additional artist lineups as the countdown to Incheon officially begins.
