Late Comedian Jeon Yu-seong's Heartfelt Chat with Kim Dae-hee Resurfaces: 'Your Mom's Pickled Cucumber Was Delicious'

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Late Comedian Jeon Yu-seong's Heartfelt Chat with Kim Dae-hee Resurfaces: 'Your Mom's Pickled Cucumber Was Delicious'

Seungho Yoo · September 26, 2025 at 10:12

As the comedy community mourns the passing of the late Jeon Yu-seong, a veteran comedian often called the 'godfather of comedy,' a heartfelt conversation he had with junior comedian Kim Dae-hee during a past TV appearance is resonating deeply with many.

In a video uploaded last November to Kim Dae-hee's YouTube channel, 'Kkondaehee,' the late Jeon Yu-seong appeared as a guest. Looking somewhat frail, he candidly discussed his health, revealing he had been hospitalized three times that year for conditions including acute pneumonia, arrhythmia, and COVID-19, delivering the news with his characteristic wit.

Kim Dae-hee expressed his sincere concern, saying, 'You are a senior I truly respect in life, so please don't get sick.' However, Jeon Yu-seong offered a different perspective on comforting the ill. He questioned the sincerity of phrases like 'Please get well soon' or 'Cheer up' when directed at someone already suffering, emphasizing the need for more personal and specific expressions of sympathy.

He shared his own method of expressing condolences, stating, 'When a friend's mother passes away, I recall memories, like how delicious her pickled cucumbers were, and send a message saying, 'Your mom's pickled cucumbers were so delicious.'' He also recounted his reaction to the news of fellow comedian Heo Cham's death, saying, 'Heo Cham-ah, I didn't want to believe it.' Kim Dae-hee was moved by these anecdotes, finding them more touching and impactful because they were specific and evoked shared memories.

Towards the end of the video, Kim Dae-hee became emotional, pleading with Jeon Yu-seong, 'I learned a lot today, so I'll be specific. I wish for your wit, humor, and comedy to be seen for a long, long time...' Jeon Yu-seong responded with a joke, while Kim Dae-hee, tearing up, added, 'Please stay healthy so we can see you for a long time.' Jeon Yu-seong replied with a simple, 'Thank you.'

Following the news of his passing, the video has been flooded with comments from netizens paying their respects. Kim Dae-hee also participated in the mourning by leaving a 'like' on the comments. The late Jeon Yu-seong passed away on the evening of the 25th due to worsening pleurisy and pneumothorax at the age of 76. His funeral is being held as a 'comedian's funeral,' with the cremation scheduled for the 28th.

The late Jeon Yu-seong made his debut as a comedian in the 1960s and was a living legend who led the Korean comedy scene for decades. His unique sense of humor and outstanding comedic timing served as an inspiration to countless junior comedians. He also actively engaged in lectures, sharing his wisdom on humor and life with younger generations.