Plain-looking, an awkward way of talking, funny gestures and an unfashionable hairstyle and clothing are the best ways to describe Ahn Uh-bung. He is one of the most popular characters who appear in the KBS comedy series Gag Concert. But just what is it about him that makes everyone from kids to the elderly to fall in love with him? Talking with Ahn Sang-tae, the comedian who plays the character, it became clear that the 27-year-old comedian is not just funny but also tremendously hard-working and sincere. Now, it's time for you to be taken aback by his charms!
Question: Have you realized that you've become a star?
Ahn: Yes, sort of. I have a hectic schedule almost every day. Also, I've done some TV commercials, something that I thought only a big star can do (laughs).
Q: You seem to be full of creative ideas. Where do you get those ideas from?
Ahn: For the Gag Concert home shopping corner, I select an item. Then I keep playing with it and developing ideas. And in this way, original ideas form in my head.
Q: What's your personality like in real-life?
Ahn: I'm a pretty positive person. I always try to look at the bright side of things and think positively.
Q: Have you thought about doing any other things apart from comedy?
Ahn: I've wanted to do the sitcoms since I was in college. I was quite a quiet person during my freshman year. But when I came back to school after I finished my military service, I joined a college acting club. And I enjoyed acting a lot. Since then, I told myself and everybody around me that someday I will do a sitcom.
Q: You studied electronic engineering at university. What made you decide to become an entertainer?
Ahn: I was rather a quiet person. But I got the opportunity to act in a play while I was in college and that was when I realized my potential. I realized that I was a good actor; I didn't have many lines, but I upstaged the lead actor. Also, people found me really funny and they were falling about laughing. That gave me the confidence to seek a career in the entertainment business. And I knew that it would be better to become a comedian rather than an actor considering my appearance (laughs).
Q: I have heard that you experienced some tough times before you made your TV debut. How did you overcome those difficulties?
Ahn: I performed in the streets for three years and at a little theater in Daehakno for a year. Even though life was very tough, I was able to live through it by telling myself that I was on the right path to becoming a talented comedian. For me, that was just part of process of reaching where I am now. I have never considered quitting.
Q: What do you do to develop your sense of humor?
Ahn: My experience of performing at the theater and in the streets for years helps a lot. I am confident that whatever the situation and whoever the audience, I can make them laugh.
Q: Do you have any role models?
Ahn: I want to be an entertainer who is a cross between Shin Dong-yup and Yoo Jae-suk. But I am not interested in becoming an MC. I want to act in sitcoms and movies.
Q: What would you be doing now if you hadn't become a comedian?
Ahn: I would probably lead quite an ordinary life. I probably would have become an office worker like most other people.
Q: Do you have any regrets?
Ahn: Not at all. Who would complain of doing what they like and being popular at the same time? I'm happy with what I am doing now.
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±â»çÁ¦°ø: The Teen Times
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