The comedy world is in mourning over the passing of the 'father of comedy', the late Jeon Yoo-seong.
On the 25th at 9:05 PM, Jeon Yoo-seong passed away after battling a pneumothorax. He was 76 years old.
On that day, the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association reported that Jeon Yoo-seong's condition worsened due to pneumothorax, and he passed away at around 9:05 PM. The late comedian, who had caused concern with rumors of his critical health the day before, closed his eyes with his only family, his daughter, Jebi, by his side.
On the 26th, Lee Kyung-sil, a close junior of the late comedian, posted a message of condolence on her SNS, stating, “Our comedy world has lost a giant, my big brother has passed away,” sharing memories and gratitude that brought a sense of heaviness.
She recounted, “After the Wednesday recording, it was pouring rain, and I thought it would be too late if I didn’t go now, so I left around 2 PM and arrived at Jeonbuk National University Hospital around 5:30 PM to see my brother. Junior Kim Shin-young was by his side, tirelessly nursing him, changing wet towels. My brother was Shin-young's professor. I was proud and grateful to see her dedication as a disciple,” she added.
She continued, “We had a short but deep conversation. He said, ‘Kyung-sil, thank you for coming, and I’m always proud of you all. Stay healthy.’ We always felt secure with him around,” confessing her deep affection.
She then expressed, “My brother’s life was wonderful and admirable. Now, please don’t suffer anymore and rest peacefully. The time spent with my brother was always happy and joyful. I am grateful. I will always miss him,” delivering a heartfelt final farewell.
Eom Young-soo expressed his respect, stating, “He greatly contributed to the development of comedy in our country, dedicating himself to the art of comedy,” while Jo Hye-ryun said, “Thank you for creating comedy that made the struggling people laugh. I respect you. I love you. Let’s meet again in heaven,” mourning through prayer.
Park Jun-hyung shared a photo from three months ago, where he was supporting Jeon Yoo-seong by holding his hand during a comedian event, recalling, “He asked me to hold his hand because he felt dizzy while giving a speech, and I remember supporting him throughout. His hands were thin and frail, but his spirit and humor were truly remarkable. It was just three months ago... Life feels so short today,” evoking a sense of heaviness.
Shin Bong-sun, who grew up in Jeon Yoo-seong's troupe, mourned silently with a black screen, while disciple Kim Dae-beom expressed his sorrow, saying, “Just earlier today, I expressed my hopes for his recovery. How could this happen? I’m not ready to accept it yet. It feels too sudden, and I can’t believe it.”
The Busan International Comedy Festival Organizing Committee also released a statement, saying, “The teacher personally coined the term ‘comedian’ and introduced Korea’s first public comedy stage and comedy concert experimental stage, opening a new horizon for Korean comedy,” adding, “His legacy of bringing people together through laughter and providing comfort and hope to those living in difficult times will remain in the history of Korean comedy.”
Meanwhile, the late comedian graduated from Seorabeol Arts High School and the Department of Theater and Film at Seorabeol University, debuting as a writer for TBC’s ‘Show Show Show’ in 1969, later transitioning to a comedian and gaining recognition through shows like ‘Humor 1st Street’ and ‘Show Video Jockey’.
In an era when comic actors were called comedians, he popularized the term ‘comedian’ in the broadcasting industry, establishing the status of a new generation of comedians with professionalism and pride, earning the respect of many juniors. This was not just a change in terminology but a significant turning point in recognizing comedy as a cultural and artistic genre. He contributed to the launch and establishment of KBS’s representative comedy program ‘Gag Concert’, leading a generational shift in Korean comedy.
He continued to be active in broadcasting and performances, serving as a professor at Yewon Arts University and as an MC for MBC Radio’s ‘Women’s Era’ and ‘Now is the Radio Era’.
The late comedian had previously suffered from pneumonia and had been struggling with aftereffects of COVID-19. He underwent a procedure related to pneumothorax in early July and was hospitalized due to worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing. He faced several crises without much recovery.
The mortuary has been set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, and the funeral will be held as a comedian's funeral. A memorial service will be held in the KBS area where he was actively involved during his lifetime.
