'A great star of the comedy world' the late Jeon Yu-seong's final journey drew colleagues from the broadcasting industry to the funeral hall day after day to pay their respects. National MC Yoo Jae-suk and Ji Seok-jin stayed at the funeral hall for more than an hour and a half to console the bereaved family, and Lee Hong-ryeol, Kim Hak-rae, Shim Hyeong-rae and numerous figures from the comedy world mourned the deceased.
On the 26th, at the funeral hall set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, 'national MC' Yoo Jae-suk and Ji Seok-jin sat side by side. The two remained at the funeral hall for more than 1 hour and 30 minutes to console the chief mourner and the bereaved family, and together with juniors accompanied the deceased on his final journey.
Comedic juniors including Kim Jun-ho·Kim Ji-min, Kang Ho-dong, Joo Byung-jin, Nam Hee-seok, Lee Bong-won, Kim Yong-man, Kim Kyung-sik, Lee Sugeun, Choi Seung-gyeong, Shin Bong-seon and Heo Kyung-hwan kept coming to the funeral hall, expressing deep sorrow. Lee Hong-ryeol, who had a special bond with the deceased, stayed from the first day of the funeral to greet mourners, and Choi Yang-rak, as the chief mourner, received juniors and wept loudly.
Comedian Park Mi-seon, who recently drew concern over health rumors, sent a wreath to express condolences, and singer Jin Mi-ryeong, who had a common-law relationship with the deceased, also conveyed heartfelt feelings through a wreath.
Korea Comedians Association President Kim Hak-rae choked up saying, "Even while relying on a ventilator, his mind was clear. Even in the hospital room he exchanged ad-libs, and he said, 'I'll go ahead, so we'll meet soon.'" He added, "He even told us directly, 'I am going to die soon,' and instructed that his funeral be held as a funeral for a comedian," expressing his heavy heart.
Shim Hyeong-rae, who came to pay his respects, said of the deceased, "He was like an older brother. Someone who spent more time with me than my own family," and added, "These days, 76 is a young age... my heart is shattered," unable to hide his sorrow.
He continued, "When I was passing by KBS, hyungnim said, 'Hyung-rae, give me just 20,000 won.' I asked, 'Why?' and he said, 'Spend it.'" recalling anecdotes with the deceased. Finally he said once more, "He must have gone to a good place. I hope he doesn't drink much in heaven," and broke down in tears.
Choi Yang-rak said, "I am devastated," and added, "He told me he wanted to see me most, so I went as soon as my schedule ended. I thought he would be in a coma. Anyone could see his body was in serious condition. But his mind was still clear, which was puzzling," and said, "Until the end he didn't show pain to his junior Choi Yang-rak and threw out humor. Oh my... he didn't have to do that," before finally becoming emotional.
He added, "I know him too well... even saying, 'I think I'm going to die soon,' he remained calm," and said he even joked while caressing the face of Choi Yang-rak's wife, comedian Paeng Hyun-sook. Jeon Yu-seong was also known for having brought the two together.
Jeon Yu-seong, who loved the stage and cherished his juniors, passed away on the 25th at 9:05 p.m. at Jeonbuk National University Hospital after symptoms of pneumothorax worsened. He was 76. Today (the 28th) at 6 a.m. at Asan Medical Center's funeral hall in Seoul, a farewell ceremony for the late Jeon Yu-seong was held. It had originally been scheduled for 7 a.m., but was moved earlier to allow more people to look back on the deceased's footsteps.
The burial site is his hometown, Inwol-myeon, Namwon.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]