The health condition of Jeon Yuseong, the "lend" of the gag world, has been reported as critical, and many people cannot hide their sorrow. What exactly is Jeon Yuseong that he is receiving nationwide support.
Born in 1949 and 76 this year, Jeon Yuseong is regarded as a figure who left an indelible mark across many fields beyond being a simple comedian, including broadcaster, performance planner and film director.
He majored in theater at Seorabeol Arts College and took his first step into the entertainment industry as a comedy writer who wrote scripts for Kwak Gyu-seok, the era's top MC. In the 1970s he built his reputation as a writer by writing scripts for TBC's popular show "Show Show Show," and he is also famous for being the person who first proposed and popularized the term "gaeguman" instead of the word "comedian." Thus "gaeguman" came to refer not only to skit comedy but also to a new form of comic performer who uses creative and witty humor, becoming an important moment in establishing the identity of Korean comedy.
Jeon Yuseong, who performed on the era's top comedy programs such as KBS's "Humor No. 1" and "Show Video Jockey," practiced "slow gags" and "intellectual gags" that make audiences laugh after a second thought, carving out a path different from the slapstick comedy that dominated at the time. In particular, true to his nickname "gag world idea bank," he provided decisive ideas for the corners of numerous juniors.
Jeon Yuseong's achievements do not end there. He played a pioneering role in various fields for the development of Korean comedy. In 2007 he established the country's first theater dedicated to comedy, the "Cheolgabang Theater," in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and he served as honorary chairman of the "Busan International Comedy Festival," Asia's first comedy festival, working to promote Korean comedy to the world.
Jeon Yuseong also worked hard to nurture juniors. In his 20s he already had excellent insight, discovering Lee Moon-se, Joo Byung-jin and others, and he was also famous for spotting singer Kim Hyun-sik and encouraging him to become a singer. It was also Jeon Yuseong who discovered comedienne Paeng Hyun-sook, and while serving as a professor in the comedy department at Yewon Arts University he trained disciples such as Cho Sae-ho and Kim Shin-young. He was also the person who discovered and debuted actress Han Chae-young.
Meanwhile, comedian Kim Hak-rae, who serves as president of the Comedian Association, described Jeon Yuseong's condition as "serious. Doctors' predictions have already been off. He was someone who should have passed away four to five days ago, but he is still holding on."
According to Kim Hak-rae, who visited Jeon Yuseong in person the day before, Jeon Yuseong is currently wearing an oxygen respirator and breathing with difficulty. Kim Hak-rae said, "The strange thing is his mind is clear. He ad-libs and even offers humor to visitors, so he seems alert."
Kim Hak-rae said they are preparing funeral arrangements because Jeon Yuseong may pass away at any time. Kim Hak-rae said, "We are preparing a comedian's funeral in advance. This was something senior Jeon Yuseong instructed while lying down. In that situation he said, 'Hold the funeral as the head of the Comedian Association.' People around him said it should be held at a hospital in Seoul, and he agreed, so the funeral will be held in Seoul."
On the other hand, a representative for Jeon Yuseong said, "The current condition is not to that extent. His condition is not good, but it was not serious enough to be taken that way. When acquaintances conveyed that 'he is sick,' it seems there was some exaggeration." Kim Hak-rae said, "Those who went and saw him directly all say it is serious and are on edge. He was also making preparations mentally and giving instructions."
[OSEN]