On September 25 KST, South Korean comedian Jeon Yoo Seong, widely regarded as the “godfather of comedy” for his wit and warm personality, passed away.
According to the Korea Broadcasting Comedy Association, he passed away on Thursday at 9:05 p.m., at the age of 76, due to complications from pulmonary pneumothorax.
Born in 1949, Jeon began his career in 1968 as a comedy writer for TBC before transitioning to performing. He became a key figure in the golden age of Korean comedy in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in hit programs like ‘Humor No. 1’ and ‘Show Video Jockey.’ In the 1990s, he helped create KBS’s ‘Gag Concert,’ a groundbreaking comedy show that became a staple of Korean television for over 20 years.
Jeon is credited as the first to use the term “gagman” at a time when comedians were simply known as “comedians.” Beyond his work on-screen, Jeon was deeply involved in mentoring aspiring comedians, organizing small theater performances in Daehak-ro and provincial stages, and providing opportunities for juniors to perform.
Jeon is survived by his daughter. His funeral will be held at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, with arrangements made by the Korea Broadcasting Comedy Association.
May his soul rest in peace.
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