Top 5 Most Popular Comedians in South Korea

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1. Lee Kyung Kyu

2. Shin Bo Ra

3. Yoo Jae Suk

4. Lee Guk Joo

5. Kang Ho Dong

1. Lee Kyung Kyu

Lee Kyung-kyu, born on September 21, 1960, is a South Korean actor, comedian, MC, film producer, and screenwriter. In 2010, he was the highest-paid entertainer on KBS Network, earning 535 million won. Lee also patented a ramen recipe, Kkokkomyeon, which he created in an amateur cooking contest on the variety show 'Qualification of Men.' It became one of the top-selling products of 2011, revolutionizing the domestic instant noodle market. Known as the 'big brother' of South Korea’s entertainment industry, Lee Kyung Kyu has spent over 30 years in various roles, including comedian, actor, producer, and MC, accumulating numerous accolades. He co-hosted the popular SBS reality show 'Healing Camp' with the actress Han Hye Jin starting in 2011, delighting audiences with his sharp wit and creativity. Lee has contributed to the success of many other famous TV shows such as 'Star Junior Show' (SBS), 'Family's Dignity: Full House' (KBS2), and 'Korea's Hottest Square' (jTBC). In 2010, he was recognized as the highest-paid star on KBS with a salary of 535 million won. An interesting fact is that in 2011, he participated in a cooking contest for amateur chefs called 'Qualifications of Men,' where he developed the Kkokkomyeon instant noodle recipe, which dramatically impacted South Korea's ramen market.

Lee Kyung-kyu

Lee Kyung Kyu on the TV show Infinite Challenge

2. Shin Bo Ra

Shin Bo Ra, born on March 17, 1987, is a South Korean comedian, singer, and actress. She began her career in entertainment as a comedian on the variety show 'Gag Concert' in 2010. Shin is also a member of the band Brave Guys and has released several singles as a solo artist. In 2014, she played a supporting role in the popular Korean drama 'Trot Lovers.'

Shin Bo Ra is a multi-talented and well-loved artist in South Korea. She entered the entertainment industry in 2010 as a comedian on the KBS show 'Gag Concert,' where she quickly gained fame for her wit, charm, and delightful sense of humor. During her time on the show, she began a romantic relationship with fellow comedian Kim Giri in December 2012. However, their relationship was short-lived, and they officially separated, stating that they remained good colleagues. In addition to her MC work, Shin Bo Ra has also performed as a member of Brave Guys, releasing tracks such as 'Brave Snow White' and the soundtrack for 'Shut Up Family.' As a solo artist, she has released several singles, including 'Flozen,' 'Let It Rain,' and 'I Send You My Heart, I Miss You So I Cry.' Shin Bo Ra has also dabbled in acting, making guest appearances in several KBS dramas like 'Special,' 'Family,' 'Marry Him If You Dare,' and 'Trot Lovers,' where she proved her acting skills and won numerous awards, including 'Best Female Comedian,' 'Most Photogenic in Comedy,' 'Most Versatile Female Artist,' and 'Best Comedian.'

Shin Bo Ra

3. Yoo Jae Suk

Yoo Jae Suk, born on August 14, 1972, is a South Korean comedian, actor, and television host. Often called the "MC of the Nation" and nicknamed "Grasshopper" because he used to wear a grasshopper headpiece when he hosted a children's show, Yoo has solidified his position as one of the top comedians and most popular TV personalities in South Korea. He studied at the Seoul Institute of the Arts but did not graduate due to his busy work schedule.

Yoo's first appearance on television was in 1991 on the KBS Comedian Festival, where he performed a parody commercial alongside Choi Seung-gyung. A memorable moment from his early career was his cover dance of New Kids on the Block's song "Step by Step." After nearly a decade of being a relatively unknown comedian, Yoo's breakthrough came in 2002 when, through the introduction of actress Choi Jin-sil, he hosted the show 'Live and Enjoy Together.' He gained national fame co-hosting 'The Crash of MCs' alongside Kang Ho-dong, Lee Hwi-jae, and Kim Han-seok. Yoo Jae Suk's first Grand Prize came for hosting the talk show 'Happy Together Friends.'

Yoo Jae Suk

4. Lee Guk Joo

Lee Guk Joo is a comedian and TV host who has made a name for herself in South Korea. Unlike many other celebrities in the country, Lee has a fuller figure and an average appearance. However, her infectious sense of humor and professionalism have earned her a devoted fanbase. She has appeared as a guest on many popular entertainment shows, including 'Roommate,' 'Star King,' 'Comedy Big League,' and 'Running Man.'

One memorable incident occurred while Lee was filming for 'Comedy Big League' on tvN, when she was injured by an object falling on her head during a game with the audience. Despite the injury and the arrival of an ambulance, she insisted on finishing her filming. In 2016, Lee made a lasting impression on viewers when she appeared on the Korean version of 'We Got Married,' alongside rapper Sleepy. The quirky pairing of the two made the season a huge success and garnered even more love from fans.

Lee Guk Joo

5. Kang Ho Dong

Kang Ho-dong, born June 11, 1970, is a renowned South Korean television host and comedian, who first gained national fame as one of the country’s top traditional wrestlers. In 2008, Kang made history by becoming the first comedian to win the prestigious Daesang at the Baeksang Arts Awards in the television category. This milestone made him the first to secure a Daesang across all entertainment platforms, including KBS, MBC, SBS, and Baeksang. Alongside fellow comedian Yoo Jae-suk, he parted ways with De Chocolate E&TF (Stom E&F) due to financial disputes. On September 9, 2011, Kang announced a temporary break from the public eye following tax evasion rumors, which were later found to be due to an error made by one of his accountants. He returned to the entertainment industry by the end of 2012, joining SM C&C as his new management agency.

Kang graduated from Masan Business High School. After finishing his education, he pursued a career in professional Ssireum (Korean wrestling). Initially, he faced many defeats, but on July 8, 1989, during the 44th National Ssireum Championship, he defeated the legendary Lee Mangi to claim the championship title, marking the beginning of his successful Ssireum career. Known as the 'Devil on the sand' for his bold and fearless approach, Kang went on to win the Baekdujangsa Ssireum Championship seven times and the Cheonhajangsa Ssireum Championship five times. He is widely regarded as the youngest ever Cheonhajangsa champion in history.

Kang Ho-dong

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lee Kyung Kyu and what is his contribution to South Korea's entertainment industry?

Lee Kyung Kyu is a renowned South Korean actor, comedian, MC, and film producer, known for his influential role in TV shows like 'Healing Camp' and 'Star Junior Show.' He revolutionized the instant noodle market with his ramen recipe, Kkokkomyeon, which became a top-seller in 2011.

What is the significance of Lee Kyung Kyu's Kkokkomyeon instant noodle recipe?

The Kkokkomyeon instant noodle recipe, developed by Lee Kyung Kyu on the variety show 'Qualification of Men,' became a major success in South Korea's noodle market. It was one of the top-selling products in 2011 and marked a significant innovation in the domestic ramen industry.

How did Shin Bo Ra transition from comedy to music and acting?

Shin Bo Ra started her career in comedy on 'Gag Concert,' later expanding her talents into music as a member of Brave Guys and a solo artist. She also made successful acting appearances in KBS dramas, including 'Trot Lovers,' gaining recognition for her versatility and charm.

What is Yoo Jae Suk's role in South Korean television and his rise to fame?

Yoo Jae Suk is a beloved South Korean comedian and TV host, often called the 'MC of the Nation.' He gained fame starting in 2002 with 'Live and Enjoy Together,' later co-hosting successful shows like 'Happy Together Friends,' cementing his status as one of South Korea's top TV personalities.

How did Kang Ho Dong transition from wrestling to TV hosting and comedy?

Kang Ho Dong started as a traditional Korean wrestler, gaining fame for his victories in Ssireum. After retiring from wrestling, he transitioned into television, becoming one of South Korea's most popular TV hosts and comedians, known for his energetic style and successful shows like '1 Night 2 Days.'

What challenges did Kang Ho Dong face during his career and how did he overcome them?

Kang Ho Dong faced challenges such as tax evasion rumors, which were later cleared up as an accounting error. Despite this setback, he made a successful return to television, joining SM C&C and continuing his role as a leading TV host and comedian.

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