'Pioneer of Korean comedy' Chun Yoo-sung laid to rest

▲ The funeral altar of comedian Chun Yoo-sung is set up at Asan Medical Center in southern Seoul on Sept. 26, 2025. (Press Pool photo) (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Yonhap) -- Veteran comedian Chun Yoo-sung, often referred to as the "godfather of comedy" and credited with coining the Korean word for comedian, was laid to rest on Monday. He was 76.

A funeral service was held at 6 a.m. at Seoul Asan Medical Center in southern Seoul. Following the ceremony, the procession made its way to KBS in Yeouido for a roadside ritual, before heading to the burial site in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, where Chun had lived before his health deteriorated in 2018.

At the service, fellow comedian Choi Yang-rak, a longtime colleague, delivered a biographical tribute. Lee Hong-ryeol and Kim Shin-young read memorial addresses, while Pyo In-bong led prayers. The ceremony was presided over by Kim Hak-rae, chairman of the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association, with comedian Park Jun-hyung serving as master of ceremonies.

The hearse visited the KBS "Gag Concert" studio, a program Chun helped establish and where he had invested much of his passion. According to the comedians' association, the visit symbolized his "last step onto the stage," paying homage to his lifelong dedication to creating platforms for comedy.

▲ This photo of South Korean veteran comedian Chun Yoo-sung, widely regarded as a mentor and "godfather" of Korean comedy, is provided by his agency. Chun died on Sept. 25, 2025, after his pneumothorax condition worsened. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Throughout his career, Chun moved beyond traditional sketch comedy, pioneering live shows and experimental performances. He founded the Cheolgabang Theater, Korea’s first venue dedicated to comedy, and played a key role in launching the Busan International Comedy Festival.

Respected as a mentor, he was widely admired by younger comedians. Over the past three days, a long list of entertainers, including Shim Hyung-rae, Yoo Jae-suk, Kang Ho-dong, Kim Yong-man, Nam Hee-seok, Lee Kyung-sil, Ji Seok-jin, Shin Bong-sun, Lee Bong-won, Lee Soo-geun, Kim Kyung-sik, Lee Dong-woo, Yoon Sung-ho, Oh Na-mi, Heo Kyung-hwan and Kim Ji-min, paid their respects at his wake. Actor Song Seung-hwan and singers Seo Soo-nam and Park Sang-chul also attended.

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