Rhyu Si-min gets the laughs

Rhyu Si-min from JTBC's "Non-Summit" / Courtesy of JTBC

Former politician Rhyu Si-min made his first appearance on a variety show ― and outshone the other funnymen.

Rhyu was a guest on

JTBC’s “Non-Summit” on Monday. On the show, where foreigners from 11 countries discuss social issues, Rhyu joined a discussion about how to write a cover letter as a job-seeker. He gave advice to the participants, who had produced their own cover letters.

A member of the National Assembly from 2003 until 2008 and minister of health and welfare from 2006 until 2007, Rhyu said he would never serve another term as a politician.

Rhyu was a former chairman of the minor opposition Unified Progressive Party / Korea Times file

“I think my current occupation as a writer suits me,” he said.

Online daily OSEN said “Rhyu might have been seen inapproachable because of his image as a politician, but his appearance on the show has subverted the image.

Rhyu is a regular guest on JTBC’s talk show “Surgeon” and has written about 60 books. He also hosts a podcast talk show “Cafe Politics” with minor opposition Justice Party member Roh Hoe-chan and culture critic Chin Jung-kwon.