Jeon Yoo-seong, widely recognized as a pioneer of modern Korean comedy, was laid to rest on Sunday following a memorial service that brought together family members, fellow comedians, and the many junior performers whose careers he helped shape. The funeral service took place at Seoul Asan Medical Center, where colleagues and disciples gathered to bid a tearful farewell to the man who fundamentally transformed Korea's comedy landscape.
The memorial service was emceed by popular comedian Lee Soo-geun, with comedian-turned-pastor Pyo In-bong leading the prayers. Among the notable attendees were prominent comedians Lee Kyung-kyu, Uhm Young-soo, Nam Hee-seok, Lee Young-ja, and Jo Se-ho, reflecting the broad impact Jeon had across generations of Korean entertainment figures.
Comedian Choi Yang-rak highlighted Jeon's groundbreaking contributions to the industry, stating that "Jeon was the one who first created the title 'gagman' in this country and the person who built Gag Concert." Choi emphasized Jeon's unmatched passion, noting that he "founded the first university comedy department in Korea and nurtured younger generations through small theaters."
Heartfelt eulogies were delivered by comedians Lee Hong-ryul and Kim Shin-young, both of whom spoke about Jeon's lasting influence on their lives and careers. Lee described him as a trailblazer who "began as a broadcast writer in the 1960s, broke boundaries and reshaped the landscape of Korean comedy." He added, "We are bidding farewell to one person, but we are still standing on the path he built. The laughter and lessons he left will live on forever on stage and in our hearts."
Kim Shin-young, who had spent Jeon's final four days with him at the hospital, shared particularly moving memories of their relationship. She recalled, "Those four days were the most genuine moments in my 40 years. He was the first to recognize my comedy and always treated young disciples with respect." Kim was especially touched by Jeon's final words to her: "You've been a wonderful friend despite the age difference," describing it as "a warmth I will cherish forever."
In a touching tribute that reflected Jeon's belief in the power of laughter, the comedians offered humor as their final farewell. Committee chair Kim Hak-rae noted that Jeon had always loved and laughed at Kim Jung-ryul's "Soongguri Dangdang" routine, and suggested they perform it "to send him off joyfully to heaven." Kim Jung-ryul then performed the beloved routine, explaining it was "a wish for him to leave with a smile."
Following the formal funeral service, the procession made a symbolic stop at the KBS Gag Concert studio, the program that Jeon had helped establish and that became a cornerstone of Korean television comedy. Standing on the stage that represented so much of Jeon's legacy, Park Jun-hyung delivered a poignant tribute: "This is the last Gag Concert stage for the senior who created our workplace and foundation. We will honor his legacy by working harder to bring laughter to the nation."
The emotional weight of the moment became fully apparent when Kim Hak-rae, head of the Comedians Association, encouraged the gathered mourners to "let out the tears we've been holding back." His words opened the floodgates, and the hall filled with the sobs of those who had lost not just a colleague, but a mentor and father figure.
Jeon's revolutionary approach to comedy extended far beyond traditional television formats. He was remembered for moving beyond conventional TV-style comedy by experimenting with live performances that directly engaged audiences, fundamentally expanding the horizons of the art form. His innovations included establishing Korea's first dedicated comedy theaters and playing a crucial role in launching the Busan International Comedy Festival, initiatives that helped elevate comedy as a legitimate artistic pursuit in Korean culture.
The beloved comedian passed away on September 25 at Chonbuk National University Hospital due to complications from pneumothorax. In keeping with his personal wishes, Jeon was laid to rest in a forest burial site near his home in Inwol-myeon, Namwon, located in North Jeolla Province, allowing him to return to the natural setting he had chosen for his final resting place.
