First broadcast of Bucolica without Jeon Yu-sung
The 14th Busan International Comedy Festival features performances titled "The Unowned Jeon Yuseong Show" and "Return of the Galgal Legend."
The 14th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF) press conference was held on the 24th at the Shocking K-Pop Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Kim Jun-ho, executive chairman, said, "We aim to revisit the roots of Korean comedy through performances by Park Jun-hyung, Park Seong-ho, and Im Hyeok-pil, who led the golden age of 'Comedy Concert,' a stage commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kuk Bong-seo, and the 'Jeon Yu-sung Without Jeon Yu-sung Show'." The press conference was attended by Kim Jun-ho, executive chairman; Choi Dae-woong, deputy chairman; Jo Gwang-sik, deputy chairman; Seong Ha-mook, director; Jo Yoon-ho, programmer; Park Jun-hyung, Park Seong-ho, and Im Hyeok-pil of the Galgal-i Comedy Concert; Seoul Comedy All-Stars (Kim Dong-ha, Song Ha-bin, Shin Seung-su, Kim Jong-chan, Park Jin-ju); Ongals (Jo Su-won, Chae Kyung-sun, Ha Bak, Lee Kyung-seop); KBS Comedy 13th Generation alumni Kim Jin-gon, Shin Yun-seung, Yoon Ji-woong, Jang Hyun-wook, and Lee Soo-kyung; and participants in the 'Jeon Yu-sung Without Jeon Yu-sung Show' including Lee Hong-ryeol, Shin Bong-seon, Joltan-lee Jae-hyung, Han Hyun-min, and Jung Jin-wook.
First BICF Without Jeon Yu-sung… A Tribute Performance by Junior Comedians
This year marks the first BICF held after the passing of Jeon Yu-sung, and the most meaningful program is the tribute performance titled 'Jeon Yu-sung Without Jeon Yu-sung Show.' Shin Bong-seon, who conceived the performance, said, "Since my early 20s when I was active in a theater troupe, I received great support from my senior, and he always genuinely cared for his students." She added, "When he passed away, I felt as if I had lost my father," her eyes welling up. She continued, "I prepared this performance with the desire to earn my senior's praise." Shin Bong-seon also revealed the process behind the performance's creation. "Initially, I gathered my juniors who had studied under the senior and were part of the theater troupe. I thought it would be good to include a long-time friend of Jeon Yu-sung, so I reached out to Senior Lee Hong-ryeol." Lee Hong-ryeol said, "My 30 years with Senior Jeon Yu-sung were not short. I am deeply moved to be able to perform together in a place where his laughter still lives." This performance, held in the first BICF without Jeon Yu-sung, is a tribute assembled by his juniors who have come together to honor his memory. Shin Bong-seon expressed her hope that the 'Jeon Yu-sung Show' will continue in the future and remain in the memories of many people.
Return of the Galgal-i Legends… Park Jun-hyung, Park Seong-ho, and Im Hyeok-pil Revive 1998 Sketch
Park Jun-hyung, Park Seong-ho, and Im Hyeok-pil, who led the golden age of the 'Galgal-i Comedy Concert' starting in 1998, are participating in the 'Return of the Galgal-i Legends' performance. Park Jun-hyung said, "We plan to bring to the stage the most entertaining sketches from the comedy performances that debuted in 1998." He added, "Please look forward to seeing us cutting various vegetables," and joked, "I've seen people cutting trees in recent reels, so I can't guarantee we'll go that far, but we're considering it." Their performance serves as a nostalgic tribute to the golden era of 'Comedy Concert,' continuing the 25-year legacy of comedy since 1998 and regarded as influential figures who have inspired younger comedians.
International Comedy Also in Focus… Inclusion of France’s 'Mime de Lyon' Performance
Choi Dae-woong, deputy chairman, said, "After watching their performance live in France, I gave them my business card, and the team contacted me first," naming 'Mime de Lyon' as the program he most looks forward to. This program features a French mime art troupe, with the core focus being the delivery of laughter beyond language on stage. The participation of the French mime troupe further confirms that the BICF is Asia's first and largest international comedy festival. Additionally, the BICF will take place across Busan from August 21 to 30, spanning ten days, with the opening performance held at the BEXCO Auditorium.
14th Edition… The Identity and Future of 'BICF'
Kim Jun-ho said, "Just as juniors exist today because of their seniors, I wanted to share the significance of that relationship with the audience." He expressed his intention to connect the tradition and present of Korean comedy through the keyword 'Return of the Legends.' The 'Jeon Yu-sung Without Jeon Yu-sung Show' is an attempt to pass on Jeon Yu-sung's influence to future generations, and is expected to become a venue where his comedic spirit lives on. This year's BICF, marking its 14th edition, is set to welcome audiences with richer performances and programs.
