A major star of South Korea's comedy world, Jeon Yu-seong has died.
Jeon Yu-seong died at about 9:05 p.m. on the 25th at Jeonbuk National University Hospital, where he had been hospitalized, as his pleural effusion symptoms worsened. He was 76. The funeral wake is at Asan Medical Center in Seoul. The deceased had previously suffered from pneumonia and had also struggled with aftereffects of COVID-19.
He is reported to have passed away while his only family member, his daughter, watched over him.
The Busan International Comedy Festival organizing committee said in an official statement on the 26th that Korean comedy pioneer Jeon Yu-seong has passed away, expressing deep condolences.
Jeon Yu-seong coined the term "gagman" himself and was a figure who pioneered a new path for Korean comedy. He introduced Korea's first public comedy stages and experimental gag concert stages, reminding the public of the value of laughter, and he was loved for his wit, satire and warm humor that transcended eras.
He left memorable scenes on numerous broadcasts and stages while serving as a solid teacher and mentor who inspired younger comedians. Above all, he laid the foundation for the Busan International Comedy Festival, Asia's first and largest comedy festival, playing a major role in helping Korean comedy spread worldwide.
The organizing committee said, "The teacher, who always pioneered new paths with the qualifier 'first,' will leave footprints that will remain long in the history of Korean comedy," and added, "We convey deep respect and gratitude to the teacher who brought people together through laughter and offered comfort and hope in difficult times."
From early morning, colleagues, comedians and broadcasting officials have been visiting the funeral wake. Younger colleagues who respected the deceased consoled one another and reddened their eyes despite their stern expressions. At the site, the glasses and notebook the deceased often used in life were placed together, making those remembering him even more moved. Younger comedians have been leaving messages of condolence on social media.
In the early 1970s Jeon Yu-seong coined the term "gagman" and pioneered a new comedy genre on broadcasts and stages. He became a popular star through many programs including KBS's Show of Shows in 1977, and in the 1980s he planned Korea's first public comedy stages and presented experimental "Gag Concert" stages.
In the 1990s he expanded his activities as a producer of comedy, theater and performances, contributing to the revitalization of comedy performances, and in the 2000s he actively trained younger comedians and participated in regional performances and festivals. In 2013 he played a leading role in founding the Asia's first and largest "Busan International Comedy Festival," and afterward he promoted Korean comedy to the world through broadcasts, lectures and festivals while serving as a mentor to younger comedians.
[Photo] YouTube video capture, OSEN DB
[OSEN]