Korean entertainment has acquired a global reputation and many fans over the past decade. Fans all over Asia, Europe and even some from the United States have shown great enthusiasm towards Korean singers, bands, and TV serials in what cultural experts dubbed “Han-Ryu” or the “Korean Wave”, a term referring to other countries showing great interest in Korean culture and entertainment. Now, the global market has shown great interest in Korean comedy as well as music and soap operas.
KBS’ “Gag Concert”, one of Korea’s longest lasting, and still one of the most popular comedy TV shows has been reported to have entered the Chinese entertainment market. KBS News reported that a Chinese broadcasting station has bought rights from KBS so they could broadcast “Gag Concert” on their channel in China.
It has been reported that Chinese producers paid a visit to KBS in Korea to witness the making of “Gag Concert” so they would be able to modify the script into a Chinese version for a Chinese audience. Other reality shows like “2 Nights and 1 Day” have also been modified by Chinese TV producers for a Chinese audience, but it is the first time Korea has exported a traditional stand-up comedy show to a foreign market.
“Gag Concert” is a show that is comprised of multiple skits that are based on real-life situations. One of the most popular skits that was aired recently is called “Let it Be”. Is is played by 4 KBS comedians, where they sing a modified version of the Beatles’ “Let It Be”, singing about the hardships of an average salary man. KBS insiders and Chinese producers who were there to witness the production, expressed that this relatability and sense of realism is what made “Gag Concert” much more popular compared to rival comedy shows such as SBS’ “Smile People” and TvN’s “Comedy Big League”.
“Gag Concert” was first aired in 1999 and is currently in the middle of its 5th season which started in 2008. The show has seen many of its comedians grow into super stars, including Hyeong-don Jeong who is most well-known for his performance in Korea’s number one reality show, “Infinite Challenge” (MBC). Jeong debuted as a comedian in a “Gag Concert” skit called “Guerilla Jeong” in the 4th season of the show.
Byeong-Man Kim, one of KBS’ earliest comedians who was featured in many popular reality shows including “Rule of the Jungle” (SBS) became known to the Korean audience after his “Gag Concert” skit, “Master” which lasted over 3 years before it was brought down.
KBS also saw the debut of other Korean stars including comedian and MC, “Jaesuk Yu” who debuted through the 1st KBS Comedy Contest. Yu was unknown for many years before he became the MC of many successful shows including “Infinite Challenge” (MBC), and “Happy Together” (KBS).
