Some of South Korea's most celebrated veteran comedians are coming together to bring laughter to Seoul residents.
The 2026 Seoul Comedy Festival will be held Friday at 5 p.m. at the Mapo-gu Office auditorium in Seoul. Sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the event was organized to give residents easy access to high-quality comedy and create a space where families can laugh and connect.
Taking the stage are longtime fan favorites Eom Yong-su, Bae Yeong-man and Kim Jeong-ryeol, joined by comedian-singer Kim Hyeon-yeong and singer-actress Kim Hye-yeong. Hwang Eun-jeong, who has built a career spanning broadcast and live performance, will host the roughly two-hour show.
The festival is built around three programs: "Smile and Fortune Will Come," a women's trio show and a message-wall stand-up comedy segment.
Opening the night, "Smile and Fortune Will Come" showcases the seasoned comedic craft of Eom, Bae and Kim Jeong-ryeol, reviving the warmth and humor of a bygone era. The set aims to stir nostalgia in older audiences while offering younger generations a fresh taste of classic Korean comedy.
The women's trio show brings together Kim Hyeon-yeong, Kim Hye-yeong and Hwang Eun-jeong, each drawing on their distinct backgrounds in entertainment to deliver a lively, chemistry-driven performance full of wit and personality.
Closing the night, the message-wall stand-up segment breaks down the barrier between the cast and the audience. Comedians will riff on stories and messages submitted by audience members on the spot, turning each moment into a spontaneous burst of laughter.
The festival blends classic comedy with the distinct flair of its female performers and audience-driven content. Rather than a passive viewing experience, it is designed as a shared urban comedy celebration where cast and crowd build the laughs together.
The 2026 Seoul Comedy Festival runs Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mapo-gu Office auditorium, with capacity for 500 people. Admission is free.
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