Veteran comedian Nam Seong-nam dies at 84

Nam Seong-nam

Veteran comedian Nam Seong-nam died Monday. He was 84.

Nam, whose real name was Lee Cheon-baek, was one of the first generation of comedians who were influential during the 1960s and ‘70s. His friend and fellow comedian Nam Cheol was his show partner and, as a duo, they performed together throughout their careers. They were famous for the "Watdari Gatdari (back and forth)" dance.

The two debuted separately but formed a duo and traveled together for decades. Nam Cheol died in 2013.

The duo achieved fame through broadcasting station MBC's TV program "Smile and Luck Will Come," and created catchphrases such as, "You must be very worried." The duo received awards from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2000 and the Prime Minister's Award in 2010.

Nam was reportedly deeply impacted by the death of his comedic partner. Despite his sadness and frailty due to his age, he last performed 10 days before his death.

He is survived by his wife and two children.