The 13th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF), the first and largest international comedy festival in Asia, successfully held its opening performance.
On the 29th at 7 p.m., the opening performance of the 13th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF) recorded a full house at the BEXCO Auditorium, marking a brilliant start with over 2,700 audience members. Top comedians from both domestic and abroad gathered, and for the first time this year, it was held indoors due to the hot summer weather.
Prior to this, the 'Sseol Episode' team, officially invited to the BICF, presented special online performances today from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at BEXCO Square. This live performance, featuring comedians Lee Won-koo, Lee Kwang-seob, Jo Hyun-min, and streamer Kim Soon-ji, offered unforgettable joy to citizens and successfully concluded with more than 1,000 live viewers.
Before the opening, a blue carpet event symbolizing the BICF took place, hosted by comedian Kim Dong-ha. Key figures such as Park Hyung-joon, the organizing committee chairman (mayor of Busan), Kim Jun-ho, the executive committee chairman, and Kim Dae-hee, director, along with domestic performance teams 'Gag Concert with BICF', 'Mantan Assemble@BICF', 'Seoul Comedy All-Stars', 'Ahn Young-mi Show: All Audience (Ssum) Show', 'Byun Ki-soo's Beach Show', 'Communication King Malja Grandma Show', and international performance teams 'Bunktopia' and 'Wok 'n' Woll', as well as 'The Ultimate Japanese Comedy Show', captivated the audience on the blue carpet.
As legendary comedian Park Myung-soo appeared, the excitement in the venue reached its peak. Following this, the comedic actress and popular creator Lala's alter ego 'Lee Myung-hwa, the landlord born in 1958' sang the lively trot song 'Jinjja Baegi' with explosive energy, engaging the audience. Behind the exciting stage, Lala and MC Park Myung-soo generated laughter with perfect banter. Additionally, the international performance team 'Bunktopia' added a touch of international festival flair with a fantastic performance combining puppet shows and shadow magic.
Continuing from last year, the Comedy YouTube Awards presentation took place again this year. This award is granted to the comedy content channel that received the most love throughout the year, with Park Hyung-joon, the organizing committee chairman (mayor of Busan), directly presenting the award. Amid strong contenders like 'Lala', 'Skechi', and 'Snack Town', 'Lala' won the prestigious grand prize. She took the stage in the tone of her Lee Myung-hwa character and expressed, 'I hope you are healthy all of a sudden, and while there aren't many reasons to laugh these days and the world seems harsh, the world is not just like a beggar.' She continued, 'Life is nothing special, and I hope you don't give it too much meaning. Just enjoy and live day by day,' sharing her joyful thoughts.
Following the opening declaration by Park Hyung-joon, the organizing committee chairman (mayor of Busan), and Kim Jun-ho, the executive committee chairman, a second part gala show showcased a special performance by the iconic Korean comedy program 'Gag Concert'. Relay performances of segments like 'Hwanghae', 'Simgoek Police Station', 'How about Defconn', and 'Malja Grandma' kept the audience laughing. Subsequently, singer Yoon Soo-il celebrated with hit songs 'Beautiful' and 'APT.' as all performers engaged in an impromptu dance party that coolly relieved the summer heat. In particular, Park Myung-soo heated up the atmosphere with his unique cheerful hosting.
Finally, all performers took the stage and shouted the BICF's catchphrase, 'Busan Sea! Sea of Laughter!', concluding the successful opening ceremony. The audience responded with thunderous applause and cheers, filling the opening performance of the 13th BICF with delightful 'sold-out laughter.'
Meanwhile, the 13th BICF begins its full theater performances starting today (30th) after the opening ceremony. Comedy performances that transcend genres, such as 'Gag Concert with BICF', 'Transferred to Love?', 'Mantan Assemble@BICF', 'Seoul Comedy All-Stars', 'Ahn Young-mi Show: All Audience (Ssum) Show', 'Comedy Association', 'Byun Ki-soo's Beach Show', and 'Communication King Malja Grandma Show', are set to delight audiences across Busan. The 'Gag Concert' performance also recorded another full house following the opening performance, proving BICF's powerful ticketing strength.
In addition, on the 29th (Friday) at 4 p.m., Kim Jun-ho, the executive committee chairman of BICF, and Kim Jong-tae, the CEO of Fantas Line.com, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at BEXCO Auditorium to strengthen mutual cooperation. Through this agreement, both institutions aim to continue collaboration in various fields for the sustainable growth of the BICF and the activation of cultural tourism content. The 13th BICF, showcasing the essence of K-COMEDY, will be held until September 7 (Sunday).
[Photo] Provided by the Busan International Comedy Festival Organizing Committee
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