Seoul: Veteran South Korean comedian Jeon Yoo-seong, widely recognized as the "godfather of comedy," has passed away at the age of 76. Jeon died at approximately 9:05 p.m. due to complications from his pulmonary pneumothorax condition, as reported by the Korea Broadcasting Comedy Association.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jeon Yoo-seong was born in 1949 and pursued studies in theater and directing at Sorabol College of Arts. He launched his career in 1968 as a specially recruited comedy writer at the broadcaster TBC, eventually transitioning to performing. Jeon gained prominence through popular programs such as Humor No. 1 and Show Video Jockey, establishing himself as a key figure in the golden age of Korean broadcast comedy during the 1970s and 1980s.
In the late 1990s, Jeon played an instrumental role in creating KBS's Gag Concert, a groundbreaking open comedy program that maintained popularity for over two decades. His contributions to the field have left a lasting impact on the comedy landscape in South Korea.
Jeon Yoo-seong is survived by his daughter. His funeral will be organized by the Korea Broadcasting Comedy Association, with a mourning altar set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul.