The Busan International Comedy Festival (Bucope) expressed condolences over the death of comedy patriarch Jeon Yu-seong.
On the 26th, Bucope said, "A great star of Korea's comedy world, teacher Jeon Yu-seong, has left us," adding, "He coined the term 'gagman' himself and opened a new horizon for Korean comedy by presenting Korea's first open comedy stage and experimental gag concert stages."
It added, "Beloved by the public since the 1970s, the teacher pierced the era with wit, satire and warm humor, reminding people of the value of laughter," and, "He left many iconic moments across broadcasts and stages and inspired countless junior gagmen as a steady teacher and mentor."
Bucope also said, "He especially laid the cornerstone for the Busan International Comedy Festival, Asia's first and largest comedy festival, and led the spread of Korean comedy to the world," adding, "He was always a pioneer of Korean comedy, repeatedly described as 'the first' and constantly forging new paths. His footsteps — which brought people together through laughter and offered consolation and hope to those living in difficult times — will remain long in the history of Korean comedy. We convey our deep respect and gratitude to the teacher, who will now quietly watch over us from behind the stage, and we offer our sincere condolences."
Known as the "No. 1 gagman" and "comedy patriarch," Jeon Yu-seong died at about 9:05 p.m. that night at Jeonbuk National University Hospital, where he had been hospitalized. The deceased drew his last breath while his only family, his daughter, watched. He was 76.
Jeon Yu-seong recently underwent a procedure related to a pneumothorax, but breathing difficulties continued afterward and his condition worsened, leading to his rehospitalization. Because of health issues, he did not participate in last month's Busan International Comedy Festival "Comedy Book Concert," and rumors of critical illness followed.
The deceased's condolence hall will be set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul starting on the 26th, and the funeral will be held as a comedian's funeral.
The following is the full official statement from Bucope
A great star of Korea's comedy world, teacher Jeon Yu-seong, has left us.
He coined the term "gagman" himself and opened a new horizon for Korean comedy by presenting Korea's first open comedy stage and experimental gag concert stages.
Beloved by the public since the 1970s, the teacher pierced the era with wit, satire and warm humor, reminding people of the value of laughter.
He left many iconic moments across broadcasts and stages and inspired countless junior gagmen as a steady teacher and mentor.
He especially laid the cornerstone for the Busan International Comedy Festival, Asia's first and largest comedy festival, and led the spread of Korean comedy to the world.
He was always a pioneer of Korean comedy, repeatedly described as "the first" and constantly forging new paths. His footsteps — which brought people together through laughter and offered consolation and hope to those living in difficult times — will remain long in the history of Korean comedy.
We convey our deep respect and gratitude to the teacher, who will now quietly watch over us from behind the stage, and we offer our sincere condolences.
Busan International Comedy Festival Organizing Committee
[Photo] OSEN DB
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