Kim Jun-ho "Bucofe has now graduated from elementary school to middle school"

The 14th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF) is preparing for a new leap forward, building upon its 14-year history. At a press conference held on the 24th at the Shocking K-Pop Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Executive Chairman Kim Jun-ho shared his thoughts, saying, "Our festival has now reached its 14th year, meaning it has grown from an elementary schooler to a middle schooler." He continued by asking for the audience's active response, stating, "I am grateful if you laugh a lot, and much effort is required to become an audience that laughs."

This festival will take place for ten days from August 21 to 30 in the performance areas around Haeundae-gu, Busan. Fitting its title as Asia's largest international comedy festival, it has built a lineup that connects the past and present of the Korean comedy scene. From veteran comedians to new YouTube-based creators and international artists, they will gather in one place to fill Busan with laughter.

A Gathering of Comedians Spanning Generations and Platforms

Major figures in the comedy industry attended the press conference in large numbers. Along with Executive Chairman Kim Jun-ho of the BICF Organizing Committee, Vice Executive Chairmen Choi Dae-woong and Cho Kwang-sik, Director Seong Ha-muk, and Programmer Cho Yoon-ho were present. The Galgal-i Family (Park Joon-hyung, Park Seong-ho, Im Hyuk-pil), Seoul Comedy All Stars (Kim Dong-ha, Song Ha-bin, Shin Seung-soo, Kim Jong-chan, Park Jin-joo), and Ongals (Jo Su-won, Chae Kyung-sun, Ha-bak, Lee Kyung-seop) also made appearances.

Kim Jin-gon, Shin Yoon-seung, Yoon Ji-woong, Jang Hyun-wook, and Lee Soo-kyung (and one other), all from Gag Concert, were also in attendance. The event showcased a grand gathering of the comedy world, with Lee Hong-ryeol, Shin Bong-sun, and Zoltan (Lee Jae-hyung, Han Hyun-min, Jung Jin-wook) presenting the "Jeon Yoo-sung Show without Jeon Yoo-sung," as well as B-class Hearing members Choi Seong-min, Nam Ho-yeon, and Kim Seung-jin. Comedian Cho Yoon-ho served as the MC for the event.

Diverse Stages to be Held at BEXCO Auditorium

The festival will kick off on August 21 at the BEXCO Auditorium in Busan. The opening will be led by the 'Malja Show & Gag Concert Gala Show.' The domestic drawing performance team Croquiki Brothers and the world-renowned international comedian Patrick Cottet Moine from 'Mime de Lyon' will take the stage. Comedian Ji Suk-jin will serve as the main MC, and the popular band QWER will perform a congratulatory stage. Yang Sang-guk will be in charge of the Blue Carpet MC duties.

Applause from Seniors for Kim Jun-ho, Who Has Endured for 14 Years

Heartwarming moments between seniors and juniors were also captured during the press conference. Senior comedian Lee Hong-ryeol offered encouragement to Executive Chairman Kim Jun-ho, saying, "The junior I am most grateful to is Executive Chairman Kim Jun-ho, who has led this for 14 years with great endurance and gives me faith that he will continue. Even though he is my junior, I want to give him a big round of applause." When Shin Bong-sun burst into laughter at the scene, Kim Jun-ho jokingly said, "I'm very nervous. Don't laugh."

This year, BICF aims to create a sustainable comedy platform (dedicated theater) where performances, creation, and education are organically integrated. It seeks to discover and nurture rookie comedians and professional talent, while promoting the planning, production, and distribution of comedy content. Ticket reservations will begin the day after the press conference.