Comedy Icon Jeon Yoo-sung Passes Away at 76 Due to Worsening Pleural Effusion

Jeon Yoo-sung, a pioneering figure in the Korean comedy scene, has passed away at the age of 76 due to complications from worsening pleural effusion.

A memorial altar was set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul on the 26th, with his daughter, Je-bi, and grandchildren listed as chief mourners. The funeral procession is scheduled for the 28th at 7 AM, with the interment to be held in Inwol-myeon, Namwon-si.

The Busan International Comedy Festival mourned Jeon Yoo-sung as a 'great star of Korean comedy,' noting that he coined the term 'gagman' (개그맨) and pioneered Korea's first public comedy stage and experimental gag concert, opening new horizons for Korean comedy. They highlighted his role as a trailblazer who constantly forged new paths, always associated with the adjective 'first,' and stated that his legacy of bringing people together through laughter and offering comfort and hope in difficult times will forever be etched in Korean comedy history.

Born in 1949, Jeon Yoo-sung was more than just a comedian; he was recognized for his unique contributions as a broadcast writer, performance organizer, and film director.

He began his entertainment career as a comedy writer for top MC Gwak Gyu-seok. After building his reputation writing scripts for the popular TBC show 'Show Show Show' in the 1970s, he became famous for proposing and popularizing the term 'gagman' instead of 'comedian.'

Active in hit KBS programs like 'Humor 1st Grade' and 'Show Video Jockey,' Jeon Yoo-sung carved out a distinct path with his 'slow gag' and 'intellectual gag,' differentiating himself from the prevailing slapstick comedy of the era. True to his nickname 'Idea Bank of the Comedy World,' he provided crucial ideas for numerous junior comedians' segments.

His achievements extended beyond performances. In 2007, he established Korea's first comedy-specific theater, 'Chulga-bang Theater,' in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do. He also served as the honorary chairman of the Busan International Comedy Festival, Asia's first comedy festival, dedicating his efforts to promoting Korean comedy globally.

Furthermore, he invested in nurturing future talent. With a keen eye, he discovered talents like Lee Moon-sae and Joo Byung-jin in his twenties and famously advised singer Kim Hyun-sik to pursue a career in music. He also discovered comedian Paeng Hyun-sook and mentored students like Jo Se-ho and Kim Shin-young during his tenure as a professor in the Comedy department at Yeswon Arts University. He was also instrumental in launching actress Han Chae-young's career.

Jeon Yoo-sung, born in 1949, was 76 years old at the time of his passing. He began his career as a comedy writer after studying theater and is credited with popularizing the term 'gagman.' He also made significant contributions to the Korean comedy scene by establishing the nation's first dedicated comedy theater and serving as the honorary chairman of the Busan International Comedy Festival.