The 'lend of comedians' Johnny Yoon has passed five years since his death, and the voices of his junior colleagues who still miss him are getting louder.
Johnny Yoon passed away on March 8, 2020, at a nursing hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was 84 years old.
Johnny Yoon is said to have died from a brain hemorrhage and dementia. Since 2017, he had been undergoing treatment as dementia symptoms worsened, and his ex-wife Julia Lee was with him at the end.
After graduating from college in the United States, Johnny Yoon debuted through NBC TV's 'The Tonight Show' and became a representative comedian of Korea by receiving the 1973 New York Best Entertainer Award. He also set a remarkable record by appearing on the 'Tonight Show' 34 times, representing comedians beyond Korea, in Asia.
Later, Johnny Yoon hosted the NBC 'Johnny Yoon Special Show,' receiving much love while appearing in numerous movies and broadcasts. He also received the TV host Daesang at the 17th Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards in 2009.
Following the news of Johnny Yoon's death, fellow comedians such as Lee Hong-ryeol, Jeon Yu-sung, and Lim Ha-ryong also conveyed their condolences. Lee Hong-ryeol said, "He was a person who raised the status of Korea through stand-up comedy, so I respected him greatly," adding, "I hope he goes to a good place and finds peace. It's very unfortunate."
Jeon Yu-sung said, "He was a person who opened a new chapter, and I'm grateful," further expressing, "I heard he passed away in the United States, and I'm very sad about that. I want to convey my condolences by visiting the funeral home through an acquaintance in the U.S."
Lim Ha-ryong recalled memories of appearing on the 'Johnny Yoon Show.' He noted, "I appeared on the 'Johnny Yoon Show' once, and I had collaborated on a golf program as well," stating, "Personally, I haven't had much contact with him, but I remember the times we worked together on broadcasts."
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