Veteran Comedian Jeon Yu-seong Mourned by Colleagues and Juniors; Park Na-rae's Recent Reunion Evokes Shock

The South Korean entertainment industry is in mourning following the sudden passing of veteran comedian Jeon Yu-seong. Colleagues and juniors have expressed their deep sorrow, finding it hard to believe the news given his recent appearances.

Singer Yang Hee-eun, who shared a 55-year friendship with Jeon, revealed their last conversation from just two weeks prior. Jeon had playfully told her regarding her cafe, “Let’s become shamelessly indebted. The day I say ‘Goodbye for now’ will be the day I repay the interest.” Yang, who had laughed it off then, lamented, “You were supposed to be the first to visit when you recovered. I never knew that day would be your last farewell. Goodbye, Yu-seong hyung.”

Comedian Kim Dae-beom, who was part of Jeon's theater troupe, struggled to find words, calling him his “teacher and the godfather of comedy.” He added, “I always learned fresh comedy with a young sensibility, and I wanted to grow old like my mentor. I hope you travel shining like a meteor in heaven now,” expressing eternal respect and gratitude.

Park Jun-hyung, who rose to fame through ‘Gag Concert,’ recalled an event in June where Jeon proposed creating a ‘Bookshelf of Books Written by Comedians’ at the Namsan Library. He remembered Jeon, despite physical discomfort, maintaining his humor while giving a congratulatory speech. “It was only three months ago… though life is short, you left behind laughter that will last long. I sincerely hope you rest in peace,” Park conveyed.

Viewers were also touched by Jeon's surprise reunion with Park Na-rae on MBC’s ‘I Live Alone’ just a few months ago. Appearing nonchalantly as a neighbor while Park Na-rae visited a persimmon cracker artisan in Jirisan, Jeon delivered his signature deadpan humor. His appearance, after a long time, was a welcome surprise to many, with viewers acknowledging him as the person who “coined the term comedian.”

Despite rumors of his deteriorating health, family and friends had held out hope for his recovery, stating he was conscious and able to converse. This makes the sudden news of his death an even more shocking blow. Netizens echoed the sentiment, commenting, “It’s hard to believe seeing him on broadcast so recently,” and “We’ve lost someone who paved the way for Korean comedy with his humor; my heart aches.”

Jeon Yu-seong passed away at 9:05 PM due to worsening pleurisy and pneumothorax. His wake is being held at Seoul Asan Medical Center, with the funeral procession scheduled for the morning of the 28th.

Jeon Yu-seong began his career in the late 1960s as a South Korean comedian and theater actor. He is credited with significantly popularizing the term 'gag' in Korean and influenced countless junior comedians. In the 2010s, he shifted his focus from broadcasting to nurturing young talent and maintained connections within the comedy community.