Passed Away at 76 Due to Complications from Pneumothorax
Debuted as a Writer for TBC in 1969, Gained Fame as an "Idea Bank"
Established Korean Comedy Culture Through "Humor No. 1" and "Gag Concert"
Comedian Jeon Yuseong, known as the "Godfather of Comedy" for his unique wit and character, passed away on the 25th at the age of 76.
According to the Korea Broadcast Comedians Association, Jeon died at around 9:05 p.m. on this day due to worsening symptoms of pneumothorax. He had been hospitalized since last year as his health deteriorated from acute pneumonia, arrhythmia, and COVID-19. He endured a difficult period, losing a total of 16 kilograms, and underwent a pneumothorax procedure in June this year. As his condition worsened again recently, he canceled his appearance at the Busan International Comedy Festival's "Comedy Book Concert" on August 6.
Born in 1949 in Jongno, Seoul, Jeon graduated from Seorabeol Art College and initially dreamed of becoming a stage actor before entering the entertainment industry. He started his career as a writer, penning scripts for the popular comedian Kwak Gyuseok, and made his debut as a broadcast writer for TBC's "Show Show Show" in 1969.
He later transitioned to comedy, leading the Korean comedy scene through programs such as "Humor No. 1," "Show Video Jockey," and "Gag Concert." During a time when comedians were simply called "comedians" or "comic actors," he was the first to use and popularize the term "gagman." He loved comedy so much that his PC communication ID was "gagman1."
He was also famous as an "idea bank." Among comedians, there was a saying: "If you run out of ideas, go to Jeon Yuseong." He once said, "I make people laugh more with words than with my body, and more with writing than with words," and he left behind numerous books. His notable works include "PC Communication: If You Do It for a Week, You Can Be Like Jeon Yuseong," "Exploring Other People's Cultural Heritage," and "Jeon Yuseong's Fake Romance of the Three Kingdoms."
He was also renowned for his ability to discover new stars. Lee Moonse, Joo Byungjin, Kim Hyunsik, Paeng Hyunsook, and Han Chaeyoung were among the celebrities he discovered. While serving as a full-time instructor in the comedy department at Yewon Arts University in 2001, he mentored students such as Jo Seho and Kim Shinyoung.
After retiring from broadcasting in 2007, he moved to Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, to begin a rural life. In 2012, he helped open the "Comedy Delivery Theater" and, together with local residents, continued to stage approximately 4,400 performances over seven years until 2018. In 2019, he returned to the stage with a performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of his debut.
To his juniors, he was like a father figure. Choi Yangrak said, "I have cherished for life the moment when senior Jeon Yuseong picked me as the funniest gagman," while Kim Jiseon recalled, "He personally designed my wedding invitation," expressing her longing for him.
The association requested video messages for the critically ill Jeon from its members on the 24th, saying, "We hope that senior Jeon will feel pleased and happy through the memories of his juniors in the videos."
He is survived by his daughter, Jebi. His funeral will be held as a comedian's funeral. A street memorial ceremony will be held in the KBS area, where he was most active during his lifetime. The funeral home is at Asan Medical Center in Seoul.
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