Comedian from Poland comes to Seoul for stand-up set
Peter Szumowski, a stand-up comedian and YouTuber from Poland / Courtesy of Peter Szumowski
By Jon Dunbar
Peter Szumowski, a stand-up comedian and YouTuber from Poland, is coming to Korea to take the stage at The Studio HBC this Friday.
Poland may not have a stand-up scene as big as New York or London, however, Szumowski told The Korea Times that the country does have a tight-knit community of stand-up comedians.
“Poland might not be widely known for its comedic reputation, but hey, we Poles have a wicked sense of humor once you get to know us,” Szumowski told The Korea Times. “We have a rich cultural heritage, a history full of quirks and a language that can make even the simplest sentence sound like a tongue twister. Embracing your Polish identity can be a comedic goldmine. And hey, who doesn't love a good Polish joke, right? Just remember to keep it light-hearted and inclusive!”
Szumowski might be a hard name for non-Central Europeans to pronounce, but his name is still known far and wide, after receiving over
6.2 million views for his YouTube special
.
“Ah, YouTube, the virtual gateway to comedy stardom!” he said. “It's true, my online presence has introduced me to millions of viewers who haven't had the chance to see my sparkling wit in person. YouTube has been a game-changer for my career, allowing me to reach a global audience and connect with people from all walks of life.”
Despite the convenience of online platforms, he admitted that he still prefers the energy of performing live. “Nothing compares to the energy and immediate feedback of a live audience,” he said.
Szumowski, who debuted in comedy in 2012, is no slouch to live stand-up, having toured to over 40 countries.
“It was like a comedy marathon, fueled by laughter and an unhealthy amount of caffeine,” he said of racking up that number. “Making it happen was a combination of perseverance, an incredible support team, and a willingness to embrace the chaos of travel.”
He admitted that some of these international performances blur into a hazy memory of stage lights and laughs, but insisted that each country he's visited has had its unique charms and given him unforgettable moments.
“Memorable experiences usually come from the unexpected ― the spontaneous interactions with locals, the mishaps and misadventures, and the laughter that transcends language barriers,” he said. “It's those magical moments that stick with you and remind you why you embarked on this crazy comedy journey in the first place.”
Looking for new frontiers of comedy, he turned his attention to Korea, “the land of kimchi and K-dramas,” as he described it.
“I heard tales of the vibrant comedy scene and the warm reception audiences give to comedians,” he said. “So, I packed my bags, convinced my agent ― who may or may not have begged a little ― and voila! Here I am, ready to make Korea laugh until they forget about their kimchi-induced tears.”
For his first trip to Korea, he's looking forward to “exploring a new culture, tasting delicious kimchi and maybe even attempting some K-pop dance moves ― brace yourself, world!”
He said he also expects a few challenges along the way, related to language barrier issues.
“I'm sure I'll find myself in some hilarious lost-in-translation situations,” he said. “But hey, comedy knows no language boundaries, so I'll rely on my expressive face, interpretive dance skills, and good ol' physical comedy to bridge any gaps. Laughter is the ultimate international language!”
Speaking of language, Szumowski has performed stand-up in three languages ― Polish, English and Spanish. He said Poland's stand-up scene is mostly in the local language, but when he travels to other countries he switches to English. “It's the lingua franca of comedy worldwide, and it helps me connect with diverse audiences and spread laughter across borders. So, whether I'm cracking jokes in Polish or English, the universal language of laughter knows no bounds!”
For his show this Friday, he'll be bringing his signature blend of self-deprecating humor, absurd observations and unexpected twists.
“I'll be tackling the joys and quirks of Korean culture, attempting ― and probably failing ― to master some Korean phrases and maybe even sharing my wild adventures navigating Seoul's bustling streets,” he said. “So, expect laughter, surprises, and a glimpse into the hilariously chaotic life of a Polish comedian exploring the wonders of Korea!”
Szumowski will
this Friday, for a show organized and produced by Kristen Pimley, one of the producers of Stand Up Seoul. It will also feature performances by Geoff Gaudet and Ishita Sharma, hosted by Rory Kelly. Entry costs 10,000 won and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.