The farewell ritual was held on the stage marked by his legacy
"An innovator and mentor, forever on the stage"
The funeral ceremony for Jeon Yuseong, a pioneer in the comedy world, was solemnly held on the morning of the 28th at the Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Junior comedians remembered the late Jeon as a "teacher," "mentor," and "innovator," accompanying him on his final journey. Family members and fellow comedians bid their tearful farewells, expressing words of gratitude and respect for the deceased.
At the ceremony, Choi Yangrak, who had worked with Jeon Yuseong for many years, reflected on his achievements and life. He said, "He was the person who coined the term 'comedian' in Korea and was the architect of 'Gag Concert.' He was a true elder who led the world of comedy with passion and warmth."
"We Will Carry On the Path You Left Behind"
The eulogies were delivered by Lee Hongryul and Kim Shinyoung. Lee Hongryul said, "Senior Jeon Yuseong was an innovator on stage and a teacher behind the scenes. He was the one who proved that laughter can change culture." He continued, "We are standing on the path you paved for us. We will carry on your legacy."
Kim Shinyoung, holding back tears, shared her memories of spending Jeon's final moments with him at his hospital bedside. "He was the first to recognize my comedy," she said. "His words, 'I enjoyed it,' which he left in the hospital room, still echo in my ears," she added, her eyes welling up with tears.
At the funeral ceremony of comedian Jeon Yuseong held on the 28th at the Seoul Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul, comedian Kim Jungryul is performing. Photo by Yonhap News
Even amid the sorrow, there were efforts to remember the late Jeon's sense of humor. Kim Hakrae, who served as the chief of the funeral committee, said, "What Jeon Yuseong loved most during his life was Kim Jungryul's 'Soongguridangdang' performance. I hope he goes to heaven with a smile." In response, Kim Jungryul took the stage himself and performed his signature act to bid farewell to Jeon Yuseong.
"The Person Who Created Our Stage... With Deep Gratitude and Respect"
After the funeral ceremony, the procession headed to the KBS Open Hall, the very place where Jeon Yuseong had planned and led the recording of "Gag Concert." The traditional ritual was hosted by Park Junhyung, and Jeon's portrait was symbolically placed on stage.
Comedian Park Junhyung is paying tribute with flowers at the funeral ceremony of comedian Jeon Yuseong held on the 28th at the Seoul Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Park Junhyung said, "This is not only the senior's final stage but also the starting point of 'Gag Concert.' We express our deepest gratitude and respect to the person who created the stage on which we stand." He continued, "Our senior would not have liked a solemn atmosphere. Let us all send him off with a round of grateful applause so he can leave with laughter." The attendees then bid their final farewell with warm applause.
About 100 junior comedians, including Lee Hongryul, Kim Hakrae, Nam Heeseok, Lee Bongwon, Kim Sooyong, Paeng Hyunsook, Song Jungun, Jung Jongchul, and Lee Youngja, participated in the ritual to honor Jeon Yuseong's final moments.
Comedian Choi Yangrak is reporting the late comedian Jeon Yuseong's biography at the funeral ceremony held on the 28th at the Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Born in 1949 in Jongno, Seoul, Jeon Yuseong began his broadcasting career in 1969 as a writer for TBC. After starting with scriptwriting for "Show Show Show," he shifted his focus to comedy, delivering laughter that transcended generations through numerous programs such as "Humor Number One," "Show Video Jockey," and "Gag Concert." He experimented with various forms of comedy across both stage and television. After retiring from broadcasting in 2007, he moved to Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, where he opened the "Comedy Steel Delivery Theater" and performed more than 4,400 shows with local residents. In 2019, he returned to the stage for his 50th debut anniversary performance.
Jeon Yuseong passed away on the 25th at Chonbuk National University Hospital due to complications from a worsening pneumothorax. He was 76 years old. He died while undergoing treatment following a recent decline in health. His final resting place will be Inwol-myeon, Namwon, North Jeolla Province, where he spent much of his life.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
