(Following interview ②) "I'm the same as when I was on 'Seba-kwi', but now people call me 'cider' and 'reformed'. Was I really that harsh?". 'Seba-kwi' era's strict sister Lee Kyung-sil, who used to keep comedians in line, candidly expressed her honest feelings about now being noticed for her refreshing, "cider"-like wit. Nothing changed. She simply had the flexible know-how of a comedian who knows how to change her talk style in the face of changing times.
Lee Kyung-sil recently met reporters at a cafe in Dongsung-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, and talked about the play "Special Boeing Boeing" and her recent life. "Special Boeing Boeing" (directed by Son Nam-mok) is a representative popular production that has been performed in Daehangno since 2001, and after going through "Boeing Boeing" and "New Boeing Boeing," it marks its 24th year as director Son Nam-mok transforms and presents it as "Special Boeing Boeing."
The performance unfolds a madcap comedy about popular man Ji-seop, who not only two-times but is involved with three partners, moving between takeoff and landing of a plane and the events that occur with close friend Sun-seong and housekeeper Ok-hee among his girlfriends. In this, Lee Kyung-sil appears as Ok-hee, the housekeeper who tolerates Ji-seop's wandering eye.
Before "Special Boeing Boeing," Lee Kyung-sil recently gained attention on YouTube for her "cider" talk. On the YouTube channel "Rolling Thunder," she appeared with close comedian junior Jo Hye-ryun and junior comedian Lee Seon-min in the web content "New Woman," receiving praise from subscribers for her characteristic unpretentious and frank wit. In particular, her remark "Did his hand go numb?" about actors who were somewhat stiff in their treatment of "national MC" Yoo Jae-seok's award drew satisfying praise through shorts and other clips.
In addition, the time when she appeared on MBC entertainment show Hangout With Yoo with comedians Park Mi-sun and Jo Hye-ryun, showcasing the bold wit of elder sisters, is still being talked about. Lee Kyung-sil herself calmly said about these reactions, "Honestly, nothing has really changed. My humanity remains the same. How could a person change that much?"
She said, "Back then, strong talk worked," recalling the MBC entertainment show "Seba-kwi" on which she previously appeared, and added, "At that time someone had to ask the tough questions. I filled that role. Just as villains are needed in dramas, even if I was disliked, I had to be strong so others could live. But people came to think that was my personality," and she laughed, asking in return, "Was I that severe?"
She continued, "But haven't the flow of talk shows changed recently? If strong talk worked before, now being merely strong doesn't work. Of course, my humanity is the same and I like being honest. So I do it a little more softly, and people say they are now seeing my true value. So I asked those around me, 'Have I changed?' I haven't changed. Only the talk style has shifted a bit."
Lee Kyung-sil said with a laugh, "Comments like 'cider' or 'reformed' appear, but honestly that's not the case. It's awkward because I mostly see good comments. In the past reactions were half insults, half praise, but now praise is 80% to 90%." She added, "'New Woman' succeeded thanks to the juniors who supported it well. I have always been like this and still have talent, so when I see juniors who seem to lack opportunity I try to promote them. It's the same in 'Special Boeing Boeing.' Rather than stand out, I want to support naturally."
"Special Boeing Boeing" runs at Daehangno Starit Hall through Feb. 1, 2026.
[Photo] Provided by troupe Dure.
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