Comedian Kim Do-young is leaving Korea with his family to start the second chapter of his life in the Philippines.
On the 5th, Kim Do-young said via his personal social media, "This evening, I am leaving the Republic of Korea with my family to start a life as an immigrant in a foreign country. I hope you will support the beginning of my second chapter, which I have dreamed of for a long time, and I will do my best for my family and me to live happily. I wish all of you happiness and health always."
He added, "I wanted to escape the rapidly changing broadcasting production environment and the flood of quickly consumed content and live a little slower and more leisurely, so I wanted to try living in a hot summer country without a set plan to return." He continued, "I have been gradually preparing for the life I have dreamed of, and finally, I am leaving today."
Kim Do-young debuted as a comedian in MBC's 15th recruitment in 2006 and became known through MBC's "Gag Ya." Afterward, he moved to tvN's "Comedy Big League," where he was loved for his solid acting skills and comedy. However, he carried out his long-prepared immigration plan and moved with his family to Cebu, Philippines.
Kim Do-young stated, "Many people are asking if this means retirement or if I am giving up being a comedian, and my answer is challenge." He emphasized, "Just because I am leaving Korea doesn't mean I will no longer be a comedian."
Following this news, support poured in from colleagues. Lee Seong-woo from the band Nobrain commented, "You got this!" while fellow member Choi Seong-min from "Comedy Big League" sent encouragement saying he is the "best slapstick comedian in Korea." Kim Min-ki, the husband of comedian Hong Yoon-hwa, added energy with the comment, "Stay strong, brother."
The following is the full statement left by Kim Do-young.
Hello, this is Kim Do-young.
Some of you may already know, but I will be leaving the Republic of Korea this evening with my family to start a life as an immigrant in a foreign country. I hope you will support the beginning of my second chapter, which I have dreamed of for a long time, and I will strive for my family and me to live happily. I wish all of you happiness and health always.
Having completed 20 years in broadcasting this year, as I face today, I wanted to escape the rapidly changing broadcasting production environment and the flood of quickly consumed content, and try living a little slower and more leisurely in a hot summer country without knowing when I would return.
I have already hinted at where I am immigrating to on my Instagram ID for the past seven years. You might be surprised by this sudden news, but I have been preparing steadily for the life I have dreamed of, and I am finally leaving today.
Many people are asking if this means retirement or if I am giving up being a comedian, and my answer is challenge.
As soon as I arrive, I will engage in various activities, including documenting my adaptation to the local environment on YouTube and working in the travel business, while consistently demonstrating my abilities. Just because I am leaving Korea doesn't mean I will no longer be a comedian.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to my family, who have supported and encouraged me in my difficult decision, and as long as I have life, I will live for my family. Wishing everyone happiness.
[OSEN = Park So-young, reporter]