[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] KBS 2TV Gag Concert (GagCon) is coming to an end today (26th) after 21 years, and comedian Park Jun-hyung, who shared the heyday of GagCon, expressed his feelings about appearing on the final stage.
On the 26th, Park Jun-hyung appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Everyone knew it was the last day of recording, but I didn't really feel it during the recording," adding, "When I realized it was the last recording and that we couldn't do it anymore, I was chopping radish on stage and tears came out."
He said, "It would be quicker to find someone who didn't cry that day. Not only the comedians but also the PDs and writers all cried. Even the camera operators cried," he said.
He continued, "The fact that we can no longer perform comedy under the name Gag Concert hit me deeply. Once one person started crying, everyone followed," sharing the atmosphere of the final recording.
Regarding the reason GagCon is being discontinued, he explained, "It probably cost a lot to produce," adding, "No matter what, about 50 comedians appear on the broadcast, even if some don't show up, and the production costs couldn't be covered by advertising revenue."
He continued, "Since production kept running at a loss, I think it had to be discontinued eventually," adding, "Personally, I feel regret."
Park Jun-hyung responded to criticism that public comedy has become outdated along with GagCon's discontinuation by saying, "I agree that it's not fun," but added, "As a comedian, I don't agree that the era of public comedy is over."
He pointed out, "If you watch many old videos available on YouTube, they are much funnier than the current ones," adding, "So it's not that public comedy is unfunny, but that the comedy itself was unfunny."
He also said, "Comedians need to reflect the most," adding, "Since we are in a position to reflect, we can't even ask for help desperately, nor do we have the right to do so."
Finally, he said, "Actually, about 100 people, roughly estimated, have become unemployed due to this situation," adding, "Of course, everyone will survive, but I feel sorry and saddened about these things."
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