Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
'Korea's Mr. Bean' returns with adult-only show
Shim Hyung-rae, comedian-turned-director, carries the torch as the last torchbearer to kick off the 6th Busan Interntional Comedy Festival in this Aug. 24 file photo. / Courtesy of Hankook Sports Economy
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Comedian-turned-director Shim Hyung-rae, well-known for his Dumb and Dumber-like slapstick in the 1980s, will return with his oldies-but-goodies classic comedy show for adults.
The 60-year-old comedian, who earned fame with his slapstick character “Young-gu” in the KBS popular comedy show “No.1 Humor Street” segment, will recreate his character in the live adult-only comedy show.
“Adult-only Variety Shim Hyung-rae Show,” which will kick off a nationwide tour on Nov. 3, originates from “Shim Hyung-rae Traveling Troupe” he has been doing since February.
“When I was invited to a festival at a small town in South Chungcheong Province, I put on stage a comedy show reviving one of my favorite segments. Audiences still remembered me and gave a strong response to my shows, although I've been away from live comedy for a long time. The enthusiastic reactions of the fans motivated me to make it a regular show and continue the tour,” said Shim during a press conference at The K Hotel in Seoul, Monday.
Aiming at the “revival of classic comedy,” his new comedy show will combine his signature act and trot songs.
“There are so many shows featuring K-pop idols targeting the young. But there are fewer and fewer shows with content that middle-aged and older people can enjoy. When I was performing at a satirical madangnori (traditional Korean outdoor performance), people in their 60s and older laughed out loud like little children. So I decided to perform more shows for those people.”
As for the “adult-only” label, he said it is not because of sexual jokes, but to talk with the audience beyond limits. “When people think of an adult comedy show, many will be reminded of Comedy Club. But after the Me Too Movement and other social moods, comedians have been afraid to say any word or make an action that would get them involved in lawsuits. So I use the adult-only label in order to make it a show free from all such worries,” he said.
Currently, comedy is facing one of its most daunting challenges. TV comedy shows that previously worked as the gateway to instant fame for aspiring comedians have almost disappeared, with just one KBS show "Gag Concert" remaining among the major broadcasters. For several years now, it has been getting single-digit viewership.
People no longer turn to comedy shows for laughs, but watch the popular reality shows, many say. Once-crowded theaters in Seoul's Daehangno theater district that featured comedy shows have closed and comedians are struggling more and more to find stages where they can show off their talent.
The legendary slapstick king met comedy fans as the last torch bearer at the recently ended Busan International Comedy Festival. “I was surprised to learn that so many children knew my name during the festival. They recognized me through watching my old shows on YouTube,” he said. “Not only performing shows for adults, I wanted to also revive some of my old comedy segments that little children can also enjoy. Ultimately, I want to show people what a comedy show should be like,” he added.