Comedian Kim Shin-young. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) via The Korea Herald]
Comedian Kim Shin-young. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) via The Korea Herald]

Comedian Kim Shin-young will take the stage in a special tribute to her late mentor Jeon Yu-seong.

Kim will perform "Jeon Yu-seong Show Without Jeon Yu-seong" at the 14th Busan International Comedy Festival on Aug. 22, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Joining Kim on stage will be fellow comedians Lee Hong-ryeol, Shin Bong-sun and the trio Joltan — comprising Lee Jae-hyeong, Han Hyeon-min and Jeong Jin-uk — as they carry on the late comedian's legacy of laughter.

Festival executive committee chairman Kim Jun-ho had earlier previewed the special program, saying, "We are planning meaningful events, including a memorial performance marking the first anniversary of the passing of Jeon Yu-seong, a legend of Korean comedy, and the establishment of the Jeon Yu-seong Award — we hope for a lot of attention."

The "Jeon Yu-seong Show" was the late comedian's signature show brand. Jeon made his debut in 1969 as a writer for TBC's variety program "Sho Sho Sho" before transitioning to performing and becoming a pillar of Korean comedy. He appeared on numerous programs, including "Humor 1beonji," "Good Friends" and "Gag Concert," and dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of comedians as an educator. He died at Jeonbuk National University Hospital on Sept. 25 last year while receiving treatment for pneumothorax. He was 76.

Kim and Jeon first met as student and teacher during her university years, and the two maintained a close bond that became a celebrated example of the mentor-mentee relationship in Korean comedy. After Jeon's health deteriorated, Kim cared for him around the clock and remained by his side until his final moments. She also delivered the eulogy at his funeral and accepted a posthumous merit award on his behalf at last year's MBC Broadcasting Entertainment Awards.

The 14th Busan International Comedy Festival, where "Jeon Yu-seong Show Without Jeon Yu-seong" will be staged, opens Aug. 21.


min3654@heraldcorp.com