Visiting comedian Hans Kim brings spice to Stand Up Seoul

Hans Kim performs at the Sony Theater in New York City, August 2023. Courtesy of Hans Kim

Korean American comedian Hans Kim is set to bring his sharp, offbeat humor to Seoul, headlining the upcoming "Laughs & Layovers" show this Thursday. The event, presented by Stand Up Seoul, will take place at Lit Lounge in Itaewon, promising an evening of unfiltered comedy.

Kim, a regular on the popular live podcast "Kill Tony," gained recognition in the U.S. for his quick-witted, observational style and deadpan delivery. He has toured alongside comedy heavyweights like Joe Rogan and Tony Hinchcliffe, steadily building a reputation as one of the most exciting emerging voices in stand-up. The Korea Times caught up with Kim on a virtual call to learn more about the comedian and his upcoming visit to Korea.

Hans Kim in 2024 at the Comedy Mothership, photographed by Troy Conrad / Courtesy of Hans Kim

A second-generation Korean American, Kim admitted that he got into comedy when he strayed off the beaten path of getting a secure nine-to-five job. “I was studying to be an engineer just because that was what the school was into, but I really wasn't that dedicated to it," he said. "I was kind of disillusioned and not really paying attention. I graduated and got a job but wasn't very good at it so I got fired. Then I just started doing comedy.”

Kim went on to talk about how he caught his big break as a comedian in the U.S.

“'Kill Tony' was a favorite show of mine growing up,” he said. “It’s a show about people trying out comedy and having it be like a rough-and-tumble sort of baptism by fire scenario. During the pandemic, there weren't as many people signing up so it was a good time to try it out. It fit into my life at that time because I was just doing comedy and hanging out at bars, so it was that kind of atmosphere being on stage.”

Kim listed KT Tatara and Paul Kim as comedians he follows as well as Bobby Lee. “I thought it was amazing that Bobby Lee didn't even have to change who he was. He could do that Korean kind of goofy character for an American audience and just be himself but also do comedy. He was a huge influence for me,” Kim said. He also mentioned Korean comedy shows such as "Gag Concert" and the sitcom "Non Stop" as some of his comedy influences.

“I love being in Korea — I’ve been here maybe 15 to 20 times, but I do feel like a tourist,” Kim said in describing how he feels about his upcoming show in Korea. “I think there’s more to Koreans than K-pop — it’s not the end all, be all, but it’s a good foot in the door. Korean culture is really taking off and it’s great that more Korean stand-ups are performing.”

Kim will be visiting Seoul almost exclusively for the "Laughs & Layovers" show, featuring a diverse range of comics, including Pat Bong, Kristen Pimley and Rory Kelly. The show is hosted by Kris James and produced by Hojip Jeon, two prominent figures in Korea’s comedy scene and Stand Up Seoul, which has been a cornerstone of the English-speaking comedy community since its founding in 2009.

Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are 20,000 won at the door or 15,000 won in advance, and are also sold online at planethustle.com/events. Follow @djhanskim and standupseoul_official on Instagram for more information.

Alice Hong is a freelance writer and comedian based in Seoul. Follow @hippohong on Instagram.