Busan International Comedy Festival: "Comforting Generations Through Laughter"
Kim Hakrae, Cho Hyeryeon, Kim Youngchul, Park Junhyung and Others Mourn
Following the news of the passing of Jeon Yuseong, known as the "Godfather of Comedy," tributes are pouring in from across the comedy and cultural communities. Juniors and colleagues expressed their sorrow, describing him as "a spiritual anchor and a pioneer who blazed new trails."
Kim Hakrae, president of the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association, told Asia Economy on the 26th, "The last time I saw him was yesterday at the hospital. Even then, he continued our conversation with humor. I told him, 'Brother, we'll be joining you soon,' and 'You're just going ahead of us,' to which he replied, 'Yes, let's meet there.' He was the one who elevated the status of comedians by introducing the term 'gagman' at a time when comedy was associated with traveling theater troupes."
Comedian Um Youngsoo said, "Jeon Yuseong mentored more than 40 juniors. He was always our spiritual support. Whenever I faced the risk of being removed from a broadcast, he would defend me, saying, 'We need someone like Um Youngsoo.'" He added, "Even while hospitalized, he wrote a review of my book, showing his deep affection for his juniors. He dedicated his life to the advancement of comedy."
Singer Cho Youngnam recalled, "Among comedians, there was no one as kind-hearted as him. Even in difficult circumstances, he would gather juniors and have them practice." Singer Namgung Okbun also mourned, saying, "I didn't know that would be the last time I saw him last month. He was someone who never let go of his books and mobile phone."
Tributes from juniors continued. On social media, Kim Daebeom wrote, "My mentor has become a star in the sky. He always brought fresh perspectives to comedy." Cho Hyeryeon said, "Until the end, he read the Bible and listened to hymns. I hope to see him again in heaven." Lee Kyungsil shared, "On a day when it was pouring rain, I rushed to the hospital to say my final goodbye. He told us, 'I am always proud of you.'"
Park Junhyung said, "At a library event last June, we created a comedy bookshelf based on his idea. Though he was already frail, his humor and spirit remained strong until the end. Today, life feels especially short. Still, I believe his laughter will live on." Kim Youngchul also became emotional during a live radio broadcast, saying, "He was the senior who bought me three books when I was a rookie. I hope he rests comfortably in a better place."
The Busan International Comedy Festival Organizing Committee, where Jeon Yuseong served as honorary chairman, also released an official statement. The committee said, "He opened Korea's first public comedy stage and experimental gag concert, pioneering a new horizon. As a cornerstone of the Busan International Comedy Festival, he led Korean comedy onto the global stage." They continued, "His legacy of comforting and inspiring generations through laughter will be remembered forever. We offer our deepest respect and gratitude."
Singer Yang Heeeun, who had a long-standing relationship with him, posted on social media, "Farewell, Yuseong. We first met in 1970 at Cheonggaeguri, and I watched over him for 55 years. When I saw him a few days ago, I didn't know it would be the last time. He promised he would visit me first once he recovered."
According to the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association, Jeon Yuseong passed away at 9:05 p.m. on the 25th at Jeonbuk National University Hospital, with his daughter by his side, after his pneumothorax symptoms worsened. He was 76 years old. His funeral will be held by the Comedians Association, and a memorial rite will take place around the KBS area, where he was most active during his lifetime. The funeral hall is Room 1 at Seoul Asan Medical Center. The funeral procession will be at 8 a.m. on the 28th, and his final resting place will be Inwol-myeon, Namwon-si, North Jeolla Province.
He began his career as a broadcast writer in 1969 and rose to stardom with shows such as "Humor No. 1" and "Gag Concert." At a time when comedians were referred to as "comedians," he was the first to use the term "gagman," introducing a new perspective. He was dedicated to nurturing juniors and expanding comedy to regional stages, and communicated with the public through books such as "If You Try for Just One Week, You'll Be as Good as Jeon Yuseong," "Life Is Enjoyable If You're Just a Little Bit Cowardly," and "Everything You're Told Not to Do Is Fun."
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