On the night of the 25th, just a day after news broke about his critical condition, Jeon Yoo-sung passed away. He died around 9:05 PM at Jeonbuk National University Hospital. He was 76 years old. The late comedian, who had been hospitalized due to worsening symptoms of pneumothorax, passed away with his daughter by his side. The funeral will be held as a “Comedian’s Funeral.” The mourning hall will be set up on the 26th at Asan Medical Center in Seoul. A memorial service will be held near KBS, where he had been very active during his lifetime.
Earlier, on the 24th, the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association informed its members: “Senior Jeon Yoo-sung, a great elder of the comedy world and a respected figure, is currently in very critical condition. For those who cannot visit him due to busy schedules or circumstances, please send video letters.”
Upon hearing the news of his passing, singer Nam Goong Ok-boon posted a long message on her SNS, writing: “Jeon Yoo-sung, a great star has fallen.” She added, “Jeon Yoo-sung! You have become a star like a meteor! Since being born in this land in 1949, you left behind countless achievements before departing.”
Nam Goong Ok-boon also shared photos from a birthday party she had with Jeon Yoo-sung in January last year, saying: “I never thought you would go so soon. Just yesterday at 9:04 PM, you replied ‘Yes’ to my KakaoTalk message telling you to do strength training, and within a day, at 9:05 PM today, you passed away. You refused life-sustaining treatment, had many conversations with your daughter Jebi, and left in your own way.”
She continued: “It feels so empty that such a wonderful person has left. He is now being moved to Asan Medical Center, and under the leadership of Chairman Kim Hak-rae, the funeral will be held as a ‘Comedian’s Funeral.’” She concluded, “I pray for the repose of Jeon Yoo-sung, who lived a wonderful life.”
Meanwhile, born in 1949, Jeon Yoo-sung entered the broadcasting industry in 1969 as a writer for TBC’s Show Show Show. He later worked actively on KBS’s Humor No. 1, Show Video Jockey, and Gag Concert. He coined the term “gagman” (comedian), and one of his famous catchphrases was, “Why don’t you let him talk!”
