The 13th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF), which started with a sold-out opening performance on Aug. 29, kicked off with a spectacular launch.
The 13th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF), hereinafter referred to as 'Bucope,' opened with a sold-out performance on Aug. 29. With participation from 52 teams across 9 countries, the 13th 'Bucope' featured a total of 89 performances, bringing together Busan citizens as well as audiences from other regions and foreign guests.
On the 7th, ahead of the closing performance, 'Comedy Association' crowned the theatrical show. Performed in two sessions at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Ocean Hall on the 2nd floor of Busan Bank headquarters, 'Comedy Association' featured comedians Shin Yoon-seung and Park Min-seong from the YouTube channel 'Comedians,' along with Jang Yoon-seok, Lim Jong-hyuk from the 2 million subscriber channel 'Kkil Kkil Association,' and Lim Sun-yang and Lim Seul-gi from the 600,000 subscriber women's power channel 'Lady Action,' totaling 6 participants. They caused uproarious laughter from the audience with their lively skits, including a segment called 'Random Talk Festival' where conversations were disconnected and words were thrown out randomly. This performance, featuring a lineup of charismatic comedians, ended by bringing a unique laughter experience to the audience.
On the same day at 6 p.m., the closing performance continued at the Busan Cultural Center Grand Theater, hosted by comedy giant Lee Hong-ryeol. The first part was adorned by a hybrid stage titled 'I Am a Dog Singer' featuring representative comedians from Korea who danced between singing and comedy, while the second part involved an award ceremony. The 'I Am a Dog Singer' stage opened with a powerful performance by trot singers Lee Sang-ho and Lee Sang-min, raising the excitement in the audience. Following this, versatile comedians Son Heon-su, talented Park Sung-ho, the trot fairy duo WINK's Kang Joo-hee and Kang Seung-hee, beautiful trot singer Kim Na-hee, and the clumsy trio Park Hwi-soon, Oh Jung-tae, and Oh Ji-heon took the stage, eliciting laughter up to the belly with their songs and banter. Also, Kim Jae-wook, who is currently active as a singer under the name Kim Jae-ron, wrapped up the final stage, as a total of 7 teams perfectly handled the atmosphere. This stage, drawn by true 'dog singers' who have been recognized as real singers through their albums and performances while showcasing delightful humor and explosive performances, demonstrated the essence of hybrid shows. They even came down from the stage to take photos with the audience, gifting them their goods such as CDs and fans while providing an unprecedented level of fan service.
In the second part, after a video summarizing the 10-day journey of the 13th 'Bucope' was shown, the 'Comedy Awards' were held. The 'Unknown Sea Award,' given to comedians pioneering new fields, was awarded to the SOOP live gag talk show 'Sseol Episode' team. Streamer Kim Soon-ji noted, 'It is an honor to receive my first award together with the Sseol Episode team. Thank you,' expressing heartfelt gratitude during her acceptance speech.
The 'Street King Award,' presented to the team that showed the best performance in the street shows 'Comedy Open Concert' and 'Comedy Street' held throughout Busan, went to 'Fire Album' (Lee Se-min, Kim Kwan-hee, Lee Sae-bom, Shasha, Kim Do-won, Baek In-cheol). The top fire show team in the country, 'Fire Album,' conveyed their appreciation through a video message, stating, 'We were able to joyfully perform amidst the hot cheers and applause. We feel honored and hope to see you again next year, thank you.' The 'Hot Sea Award,' given to the most popular and energetic team at the festival, was awarded to 'An Young-mi Show: Family-friendly (Sum) Show.' An Young-mi, who successfully returned after childbirth through this performance, expressed her gratitude by saying, 'I'm very thankful to receive the Hot Sea Award that is given only to popular teams. I have been longing for the stage, and I appreciate the opportunity created for me. I will prepare more to ensure that An Young-mi Show can continue to be a sea of laughter.'
The 'Sea of Laughter Award,' given to the best comedy work presented by international performers, was awarded to 'The Ultimate Japanese Comedy Show.' Lastly, the 'Busan Sea Award,' presented to the best domestic comedy performance, was given to the 'Gag Concert' team (Shin Yoon-seung, Jo Soo-yeon, Song Pil-geun, Na Hyun-young, Kim Young-hee, Jeong Beom-kyun, Lee Soo-kyung, Na Hyun-young, Oh Jung-yul, Hong Hyun-ho, Yoon Seung-hyun, Yoo Yeon-jo). Kim Joon-ho, the executive chairman, and Kim Dae-hee made a surprise appearance to accept the award on behalf of the 'Gag Concert' team, stating, 'We hold the record for the most appearances on the Gag Concert. We thought it would be appropriate for us to accept this award on behalf of the team, rushing here from another show in Busan. Thank you to the Busan citizens for joining us and for your interest.' Jeong Beom-kyun and other members of the 'Gag Concert' team expressed their gratitude through a video, saying, 'Thank you so much for the award, and as it is an award received together with our senior and junior colleagues, we will strive to advance Korean comedy internationally together.'
As the final performance came to a close, Kim Joon-ho, Kim Dae-hee, and Lee Hong-ryeol cheered with the audience, 'Busan Sea! Sea of Laughter!' concluding the 10-day journey. Not only the awarded teams but everyone performed their best in their respective roles, providing the audience with a meaningful time. The 13th 'Bucope,' guaranteed to bring laughter, has established itself as an indispensable festival by showcasing the true value of K-comedy and successfully concluded its journey.
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