Nineteen years have passed since comedian the late Kim Hyeong-eun died.
Kim Hyeong-eun debuted as a comedian in the seventh class of SBS public recruitment in 2003. Born in 1981, he debuted at a relatively young age, but he drew immediate attention after being recognized for his outstanding comedic sense, winning the grand prize during the public recruitment selection. After that, he showed his presence with distinctive characters and energetic performances on SBS's flagship public comedy program "Finding Laughter (Utchatsa)."
His distinct facial features and vivid performances on stage left a strong impression on viewers, and Kim Hyeong-eun was loved as a core member of "Utchatsa."
In 2006, he drew attention again by forming a team called "The Three Beauties" with fellow comedians Shim Jin-hwa and Jang Gyeong-hee. They challenged themselves with musical activities as a project group, releasing the single "Destiny," showing a different charm amid the then-popular "gae-singer (comedian + singer)" craze.
However, Kim Hyeong-eun's time, which was running toward his heyday, suddenly stopped. On Dec. 17, 2006, while traveling for a "The Three Beauties" schedule, a chain collision caused by speeding occurred near Pyeongchang, Gangwon, on the Yeongdong Expressway, and Kim Hyeong-eun suffered a severe neck fracture and lost consciousness.
After major surgery he showed signs of recovery for a while, but he ultimately passed away on Jan. 10, 2007, 25 days after the accident, at the age of 27. The sudden tragic news plunged the comedy world into deep sorrow.
Fellow comedians saw him off in tears at the funeral. In particular, Shim Jin-hwa, who had worked with him and was with him at the time of the accident, expressed deep condolences and asked people not to forget Kim Hyeong-eun.
In fact, Shim Jin-hwa still visits Kim Hyeong-eun every year to pay her respects and shares her feelings through social media.
[Photo] the late Kim Hyeong-eun
[OSEN]