Comedy Legend Jeon Yu-seong Passes Away at 76; Industry Mourns

Jeon Yu-seong, a towering figure in Korean comedy, has passed away at the age of 76.

Known for his pioneering contributions to the genre, Jeon had been battling various health issues, including acute pneumonia, arrhythmia, and COVID-19, which led to a rapid decline in his health over the past year. He passed away at Jeonbuk National University Hospital in Jeonju while receiving treatment.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and juniors in the comedy and broadcasting industries. Celebrities such as Yang Hee-eun, Jo Hye-ryun, Park Joon-hyung, and Lee Kyung-sil have shared heartfelt memories and expressed their grief on social media.

The Busan International Comedy Festival also paid tribute, acknowledging Jeon as a "great star of the Korean comedy scene" who coined the term 'comedian' and opened new horizons for Korean comedy. Throughout his career since the 1970s, he inspired countless junior comedians as a mentor, leaving behind a legacy of wit, satire, and warm humor.

His wake has been set up at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, with the funeral service to be conducted as a comedian's funeral.

Jeon Yu-seong began his comedy career in the 1970s, debuting with the group 'Cheonggaeguri'. He not only coined the term 'comedian' but also played a crucial role in advancing the field by staging Korea's first-ever public comedy show. He also explored other avenues, including a stint as an OBS radio DJ in the 1990s.