Comedians Cho Sae-ho, 43, and Kim Shin-young, 41, paid tribute to their mentor, the late Jeon Yoo-sung. Jeon died at 9:05 p.m. on Sept. 25 at Jeonbuk National University Hospital after complications from a collapsed lung. He was 76.
On Sept. 26, Cho wrote on social media, "I was so happy and grateful to be your junior and your student." He added, "I keep thinking of your calls―'Sae-ho, where are you? Sing me a song'―and it breaks my heart."
He continued, "When I was stuck overthinking work, you’d say, 'It’s one of two things―do it or don’t… just do it.' I can still hear your last words to me: 'Take care.' I’ll never forget the time we shared. Professor, please rest in peace."
Kim Shin-young was by Jeon’s side in his final hours. Fellow comedian Lee Kyung-sil wrote early Thursday on social media that after wrapping a Wednesday taping amid a pounding rainstorm, she went to the hospital and found Kim tending to him, changing cool towels. "As a student, she gave him everything she had," Lee said.
Kim studied under Jeon while he was a professor in the Department of Comedy and Acting at Yewon Arts University. Even after graduating, she continued to treat him with deep respect and leaned on his advice during tough times. When she once confided, "Professor, I think my moment has passed," Jeon encouraged her: "Congratulations. Let it pass once, twice, three times―then you become a treasure. You’re going to be a treasure."
A memorial has been set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, and the funeral will be held with honors from the comedy community.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)