As the Chuseok holiday approached, successive heartbreaking news reached broadcasters and fans. The comedy world's doyenne, the late Jeon Yu-seong, historical drama actor the late Kim Ju-young, and YouTuber the late Pilseungju, who sang of hope, each left us one after another. The obituaries of these three, who walked different paths across three generations, add to the sorrow and prompt reflection on the laughter, resonance and hope they left behind in their respective places.
■ "comedy world's lend" the late Jeon Yu-seong, falls asleep forever
The funeral service for the late Jeon Yu-seong, who died at the age of 76 after worsening pulmonary disease symptoms, was held on the morning of the 28th at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Seoul. Family, colleagues and numerous students accompanied him on his final journey to his hometown Namwon.
His pupil Kim Shin-young delivered a tearful eulogy, saying, "Professor called me not a disciple but a 'friend much older than me.'" She said she would cherish the last gas money of 100,000 won as a treasure of her life and choked up asking, "Please appear as my professor in the next life as well."
Cho Sae-ho, who carried the casket, bowed in the rain and sobbed, and comedy colleagues such as Lee Young-ja, Lee Kyung-kyu and Paeng Hyun-sook shed hot tears. Yoo Jae-seok and Ji Seok-jin stayed long at the wake to console the bereaved family, and numerous junior comedians stood by their teacher on his final road.
Starting with "Show Show Show" in the 1970s and leading Korea's comedy golden age through "Humor No. 1" and "Gag Concert," Jeon Yu-seong established the country's first comedy department and a small theater to train juniors and left the roots of comedy. Netizens expressed deep condolences, saying, "It was a farewell with both laughter and tears until the last stage."
■ A powerful resonance in historical drama, actor the late Kim Ju-young passes away
Actor Kim Ju-young, who revealed a weighty presence on the historical drama stage, died at the age of 73 on the 30th of last month after battling pneumonia.
After debuting in 1974 as part of MBC's sixth class of recruited talents, he became known through "Investigation Chief" and went on to appear in numerous epic historical dramas such as "The Joseon Dynasty Five Hundred Years," "Tears of the Dragon," "The King and the Queen," "Taejo Wang Geon," "Empress Myeongseong," and "Jeong Do-jeon," protecting viewers at home.
He surprised the public with a confession that he "became a shaman after leaving behind a 50-year acting life." However, he was an actor who showed sincerity for the stage, saying, "I want to act until I die." The funeral is on the 2nd, and the burial site is Incheon Family Park. Fans and colleagues expressed condolences, saying, "A living witness to Korean historical drama has left."
■ YouTuber the late Pilseungju, who conveyed hope, rests at 32
YouTuber Pilseungju, who conveyed hope while documenting his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, died at the young age of 32. His bereaved family announced his death on the 26th of last month via Pilseungju's personal account.
With 70,000 subscribers, he shared his treatment journey publicly from 2022, delivering messages of hope and positivity. Even as his body gradually stiffened from the disease, his videos that never lost their smile brought courage and comfort to many.
His final upload, "Apple juice is an excuse," which a friend helped produce, was even more touching. The wake was prepared at Hanil Hospital funeral hall, and the funeral will be on the 27th at 8:30 a.m., with burial at Anrak Park in Jinju.
On the eve of the nation's great holiday Chuseok, the entertainment industry and fans cannot hide their heaviness at the string of bad news. From the lend of Korean comedy, a living witness to historical drama, to a young YouTuber who sang of hope, the three stood on different generations and different stages, but each left laughter and emotion behind as they departed.<
[Photos] OSEN DB, SNS, broadcast captures, Seungil Hope Foundation
[OSEN]