(On a day of December in a little theater on Daehangno)
(Because I Want to Talk)
(A special stage is set up here.)
(Because I Want to Talk)
(It's all for this man.)
Why are you patting my head? Did I do something good?
Why do you keep patting my head all of a sudden?
Have you seen our show?
Yes, I forced myself to.
I apologize. But you wanted me to be honest.
When they went outdoors...
looking like two brothers,
and talked to each other by the stone wall,
it looked like a scene from a drama.
I think that's all useless and a waste.
Do you have any advice for us?
Take it out if it's not funny.
And they laugh for too long.
Change subjects right away.
The quick change of subject is...
(Host, Lee Dong Wook)
(MC, Jang Do Yeon)
(Seo Young Do Band and Jo Jung Sik)
(Because I Want to Talk)
(Lee Dong Wook, actor and talk show host)
Hello, audience. Hello, viewers.
I'm Lee Dong Wook who wants to talk.
We have a special setup.
And I get to...
watch our audience closer.
- I'm glad. - Yes.
I hope we could all enjoy the show.
I'll tell you the reason...
why we have a different set later on.
First of all, I'd like to...
introduce the people who make this show together.
Are you familiar with the term,
"Cool-pretty," made of the words, "cool" and "pretty?"
(Getting ready to be complimented)
I think this person...
suits this word, "Cool-pretty" the best.
It's Jang Do Yeon!
(MC, Jang Do Yeon)
And these people make our show richer...
with rhythm and melody.
It's Seo Young Do Band.
(Sinil Jo, Park Gi Hoon, Q the Trumpet, and Seo Young Do)
I like the smaller set. The music...
- Yes. - sounds richer.
- We're gathered like a family. - Right.
What's it like being in a little theater?
I like it.
There's always that cheer.
There are a certain energy and tension it gives you.
I'll take this one just in case.
(He takes a roll of gimbap without permission.)
Let me give you a quiz.
I hope you guess the answer.
This is effective for relieving stress,
reducing pain, and losing weight.
What would this be?
- Yes. - Americano.
Americano?
Yes, caffeine helps break down fat.
Yes.
- Laughter! - Laughter?
What else?
Clapping? We have the answer.
It's laughter.
There has already been a lot of studies...
on the effects of laughing.
The master of comedy,
Charlie Chaplin once said:
"Laughter is the tonic,"
"the relief, the surcease from pain."
That's why we've brought...
this person...
to make you and the viewers laugh and jump in your seats.
This person is today's guest.
If you were to ask who's Charlie Chaplin of Korea,
I will not hesitate to say the name of our guest.
It's the comic actor, Lee Su Geun!
(It's the gimbap he took before.)
(Talented)
- Lee Su Geun! - Lee Su Geun!
(Lee Su Geun, comic actor)
It's nice to see you.
- May I sit here? - Yes.
Thank you.
Thank you, everyone.
(He's dressed quite differently than usual.)
- Do I look different? - Yes.
You look so sharp.
Today,
I'm at Because I Want to Talk with Dong Wook.
- I'm too excited. - He's good.
"We're still young."
- You have a lot prepared. - No, it just...
came to my mind.
- Even with the gimbap, - Yes.
we put those out there for the staff.
(Sorry)
No one was eating it. It must have gone stale.
There were 12 of them left.
I thought I'd at least taste it.
It'll be fine since the weather is cold.
It's so great to see you, Su Geun.
- Yes, it's a pleasure. - I never knew I'd see you this way.
I had always wanted to meet him.
It's such an honor to have you.
The honor is mine for being invited here.
- Thank you. - That's all for today.
(The end)
We should have a show like this!
- It's so neat. - Right.
- I love it. - I always tell them...
- we should be innovative. - How good would that be?
We should just finish this way...
just to hear the audience say: "What on earth are they doing?"
We should do something like that.
We're always too...
Right. We always talk about what we've been up to.
This is all we need, actually.
They can find out the rest on the internet.
- Right. - But we're still curious...
- of other things. - Yes.
You're very popular these days.
I'm not popular. You're way more popular than I am.
I enjoyed watching it.
- Which one? - You and Gong Yoo.
Yes.
Which guest do you find more comfortable to be with?
- I feel more comfortable now. - Right?
He's comfortable...
- because he and I look alike. - Right.
In what sense?
- Just, overall vibe. - Overall vibe.
(They have the same 23rd chromosome pairs, XY.)
- What are you doing with your fist? - No.
My hands were cold.
I heard rumors that you hit older people.
I heard the rumors.
We've designed the set to look like a little theater. Do you like it?
I'm very thankful.
The old memories keep coming back.
When I performed in the past,
I only had female fans also.
I'm kidding. I get to interact with them closer.
Right.
I can look into their eyes when I speak,
and I can immediately see...
how the audience reacts.
If I feel like I'm doing it wrong,
I'm able to cope with it quickly.
When people come to watch a gag performance,
- they're looking for a laugh, - Right.
so they're open-minded. Even if they loved...
a segment...
in a little theater, some of them become failures...
in shows like "Gag Concert" or "People Looking for a Laugh."
The audience in a little theater laughs easier since they're ready.
But when we take it to television shows,
- it's often not funny. - Right.
There's a certain energy that a little theater has.
When I was backstage...
and I heard them cheer during the opening,
- What did it feel like? - my heart raced.
There was tension.
It's such an attractive place.
Hasn't it been long since you've felt that excitement and tension?
I felt those last week.
- Because... - Well, it's been a week.
So it's been a while.
I still perform at Sungkyunkwan University.
So... Haven't some of you come to watch it?
There must be some.
But no one is answering.
I don't think any of them have.
They like free stuff.
- They like free stuff. - That will be my 26th question.
- I understand. - So please be patient.
I apologize. I'm confusing the orders front and back.
You have "the same numbers front and back."
I heard you're a regular of our chauffeur service.
(Never drink and drive.)
We've brought you here to talk about laughter.
I heard you spoke...
to our production crew of your aspirations...
to make all of us laugh.
Well, it's not much of an aspiration.
I don't have to try to make you laugh.
But you still tried to be funny with that gimbap.
For us to easily interact,
and for them to enjoy the show until the end,
and feel like they've just watched a concert,
- you should work hard. - Yes.
It's not our problem. The only things you can do...
with your name on it are...
running for an election and your talk show.
He's right.
See, I'm an actor.
But I've introduced you as a comic actor...
to mean that you're an actor who makes people laugh.
- Did you like it? - I loved it.
The word, "comic actor,"
it has been passed on to us from our senior comedians.
- Right. - To have that title is...
a huge honor.
She's also a comic actor, a junior comedian to me.
- Yes. - Yes.
I remember a lot of them.
- You've done a segment with her. - Yes.
There was a lot, but the most popular one was...
"I Wish I Were Taller."
The most precious reward I got from that segment was...
being able to find someone like Do Yeon.
- Right. - People searched...
her name constantly.
- Was that your debut segment? - Yes.
I still remember. All I had to do was...
say a few words behind him, dance, and then leave.
But he always tried to take care of me...
and said:
"You should be willing to do more until the moment you leave."
I was supposed to leave...
after "I wish I were taller."
But I was trying to do something.
(Effort)
I wanted to show them something.
(This is the same Do Yeon you're all familiar with.)
(The rookie comedian's passion)
(The rookie comedian's fate)
(The rookie comedian's going overboard)
I remember telling her something.
I didn't scold her or anything, but I told her to come up with...
She should at least come up with her own part.
Right. It's funny...
because now that I think about it,
he was scolding me.
I should be trying to do my best when I hear that.
- Yes, you should have understood. - But...
she still hasn't come up with her part the next day.
Jung Myung Hoon was really surprised.
He said: "You really don't have a clue, do you?"
I learned a lot at the time.
- But now she's... - Of course.
Now I have a lot to learn from her.
She became a byword of "Cool-pretty."
- I do my best. - You two are great.
There must be the heaviness you feel by the title, "comic actor."
Though I'm an actor myself,
it's really difficult to make people laugh with acting.
It's tough to act at the right timing.
It is tough.
- I'll look away if I look funny. - That's not it.
It's just that you're sitting there so polite and even.
This would look weirder.
(I wish I hadn't seen that.)
I don't know if it's okay to say this,
but people usually sink when they do that.
You're a little bit...
like this.
- I can't reach it with my legs. - It was cute.
Please be comfortable, Dong Wook.
You're the host, you shouldn't be that modest.
- It's kind of my motto... - Yes.
- to not cross my legs, - Yes.
- or look arrogant. - Yes.
I feel uncomfortable with that.
You can have a talk show with your name on it...
because you have that mindset.
- Thank you. - It is.
It really is. This is very important.
- That was nice. - Right.
So about the question...
Why do you keep laughing after you ask a question?
That's not it. I'm hoping you would answer my question.
A famous comic actor once said it.
I think that's what life is for all comic actors.
"Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up,"
- "but a comedy in long-shot." - Yes.
- It's a famous quote. - When people see...
a comic actor's life in a long-shot,
it looks joyful and happy.
But when you talk to each of them closely,
there are sorrow and agony.
I think that's what life is for us.
People add something after that quote nowadays.
A tragedy when seen in close-up, a comedy in long-shot,
and an honor to meet...
Su Geun himself.
- Wow. - That was good.
Wow.
You told me a bit before,
but you started out with an open comedy.
You must be filled with emotion...
to be in a stage like this. What's it like?
- It all started on the stage. - Yes.
I always miss the stage.
I've been a recreational instructor for a long time in the past.
So it was a stage for the students.
Of all the people in the audience,
and the people who are watching on television,
there must be a lot of people who have...
That's possible.
A lot of them might have been there.
There are quite a lot among celebrities too.
- Do they remember? - Yes.
Some idol group members come to me and say: "Hello, instructor."
Now that I think about it, dealing with all the students,
playing guitar for a bunch of people, and entertaining them,
all those memories remained in my head,
and they come out in spite of myself...
on a variety show,
or on a stage when I'm performing.
I feel like all the know-how became my weapon.
- It helped you grow. - That's right.
I have a question. When you see the students,
some of them follow you and respond well.
But there are students who are a bit twisted.
- Like, "What is this?" - With students like that,
I go to them and play games one-to-one.
- You play with them in person. - This is a very simple game.
- Please follow me. Big ball. - Big ball.
Viewers, please follow us. Don't just sit there and watch.
- Big ball! - Big ball.
- Little ball. - Little ball.
Say it loud with "big ball," and whisper with "little ball."
- Big ball! - Big ball.
- Little ball. - Little ball.
- Just with Do Yeon. Big ball! - Big ball.
- Little ball. - Little ball.
- Big ball! - Big ball.
- Little ball. - Little ball.
You're the student who's insubordinate.
Hello, Dong Wook. Am I boring you?
Then...
We're going to play Big Ball, Little Ball,
- and if you don't make a mistake... - It's so childish.
If you don't make a mistake, I'll give him a gift card.
- Are you confident? - Yes.
Let's try.
You seem to be so confident.
- This is so easy. - Let's try.
- Big ball. Small ball. - Big ball. Small ball.
- We're going the other way around. - Okay.
when I say "Big ball," you say "Small ball," and vice versa.
- Big ball. - Small ball.
- Big ball.
- Small ball.
- Small ball. Big ball. - Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
Do you get it?
You cannot win this.
- By the way... - How can I follow along with you?
You'll be imitating what I do, going "Big ball" without knowing it,
then everyone will be laughing, and he'll have fun as well.
That's how it goes.
If someone doesn't seem to follow along, not laughing,
I will come up to that person...
and do things like that.
Last week,
- we had Lee Se Dol here. - That's right.
I thought that he looked...
- like a big shot. - True, he had an aura about him.
Now I think you are looking more like a big shot, Lee Su Geun.
(Thanks.)
Let's get back...
to talking about his life.
You switched jobs from a recreational instructor...
- to a comedian, but... - Yes.
- I heard it was not easy to do so. - It wasn't.
Yes, that's what I heard.
I applied and failed more than ten times.
Having made it to the stage, I used to think,
"If I had been able to make it earlier than this,"
"I could have done much better, and worked harder..."
- "doing more slapstick," - Yes.
"but why didn't they recognize me earlier?"
Looking back on this, though,
I came to realize only later on that there's a time...
for everything, and for each one of us.
(Situational Talk)
(An advanced talk to analyze...)
(figures by putting them in an extreme situation)
What was it? Let's see...
Hello, my number is 111,
and my name is Lee Dong Wook. This is so nerve-wracking.
Hello, I am the Yeonpyeong Island Crab.
What are you doing?
(What are you doing?)
Hello.
- You are here for the interview? - Yes, hello.
Yes, hello.
Wow, congrats!
You're going to do just fine.
- Me? Why? - Hey.
I've never seen anyone that looks so funny like yourself.
Aren't you non-Korean?
- Me? - Yes!
- Thank you. - Congrats, you're going to make it.
- You'll make it this year. - Sir, I'm pretty good at this...
crab impersonation thing.
- Okay, let me see. - I'm the Yeonpyeong Island Crab.
(Impressed)
I'm the Yeonpyeong Island Crab.
I arrived here like this all the way from home.
I got on subway line one like this and everyone seemed mesmerized.
- I tagged off like this. - If you want to pass the interview,
you have to sprinkle some soy sauce on your body,
- so it won't be a pretty sight. - Soy sauce marinated crab.
- Congrats, your face is so funny. - Okay, thanks.
There's this guy called Ok Dong Ja among our seniors.
- Yes, I know him. - He got in as soon as he went in.
- He didn't need to show anything. - Okay.
- You're exactly like him. - Am I like that?
(If that's the case...)
(Well done)
Good job.
That's a good one.
- I envy you. - Your words of encouragement...
- Tell me about it. - Please have a seat.
- Okay, thanks. - Take it easy.
I envy people that look like you.
Number 111.
Yes, that's me.
- Number 112. - Yes, that's me.
- Number 113. - Yes.
We'll begin soon.
Yes, I will do my best.
- I thought you were my senior. - What? You're going for this too?
Yes, I am.
Why did you pretend that you were our senior then?
Who are you to judge us like that?
Was I that harsh?
I wasn't, hey!
- Are you a first-time interviewee? - Of course, I am.
How many times have you taken this, twice, right?
- Yes, I have. - I've taken this ten times now.
Now that means I'm your senior.
- You've taken it ten times now, - Yes.
but aren't your family against you?
They don't even answer my phone calls.
Why not?
Because I told them I'd be a comedian for like ten years now,
and considering whenever I attended a taekwondo match...
and got a prize since I was little, my father thought...
that I should have pursued that route,
but it wasn't something that I wanted to.
I've always wanted to be a comedian.
I want to make it as a comedian somehow, but it's not easy.
What I'm really curious about is...
that ten years is such a long time if you think about it,
but why did you want to be a comedian for that long?
I'm not sure.
- You just kept on? - It was my only option, I thought.
Also, since when I was in school,
my friends said that I should be a comedian.
- You were famous for that. - That means...
- that you were talented. - You see, I used to host...
all the local singing contests since when I was in high school.
Not just for your school, but the entire community?
There were two of these singing contests in Yangpyeong...
- held on the same day, - You went big.
so the competition was severe.
On the night before, I made posters...
of the show I was hosting at the time.
- Posters. - So people can come to your show.
I wrote that Deuce would be there.
- Deuce, when it wasn't true? - Deuce.
I said, "You are here to see Deuce?" and they went, "Yes!"
I said, "Let's give it up for Deuce!"
and went to the back of the stage, got changed,
and danced to their music...
as if we were Deuce.
- Didn't they complain about it? - They would have recognized it.
We danced so well.
People might as well get angry, but...
- They didn't. - they were okay seeing you dance?
The key point of their dance moves was...
that you had to do this and get back to your initial position.
(Deuce, Lee Hyun Do, and the late Kim Sung Jae)
(This is the key point.)
But I went on like this for like 50 meters...
until they got tired of it,
so they couldn't get mad at me.
You go like this and then sit...
- That's right! - before you get up...
right away, but we tried to make it fun,
so we sat like this,
and had to be pulled up to go like this.
- You choreographed it all. - Of course!
- You had an entire repertoire. - We had to.
Why didn't you pass it for ten times when you're so talented?
Tell me about it.
Somehow it just didn't work.
- I slipped up at the last step. - What a shame.
Why didn't they recognize your talent?
- Tell me about it. - I think it was not my time.
Could you show us...
- what you performed... - Yes, we're curious.
for the last interview,
so we juniors can learn from your mistake?
Who are you to keep asking me to do things?
He's Ok Dong Ja of the next generation.
(The next Ok Dong Ja)
- He's good. He moves funnily. - Thanks.
- That's right. - He moves funnily.
- Could you show us? - You're a natural.
Among what I had performed before,
this was for the final round of the KBS competition.
I'm curious.
This was sensational at the time.
I went all the way up to the finals with this.
I didn't need anything else.
- You must've heard of it, Do Yeon. - What is it?
I was fully clothed in Admiral Yi Sun Sin's armor,
with a huge sword in my hand, and knelt down on the floor.
On this moonlight night on Hansan isle,
I sit alone in the lookout with a great sword worn at my side.
I go "War Diary,"
then they start beat-boxing when I say, "Drop the beat!"
Drop the beat.
Can you beat-box?
Beating drums and gourds.
You're going to make it this time for sure.
You know, I thought...
- that you were playing drums. - You can actually...
try beating drums and gourds.
Beating drums and gourds.
- You can try it like this. - Okay.
Beating drums and gourds.
Admiral Yi Sun Sin of the Joseon Dynasty...
had to write the entire journal entries in a day,
so he decided to finish it off overnight.
Now onto his last write-up.
Beating drums and gourds.
Hey.
With the sun down and his eyes closing,
he's getting tired.
Admiral Yi Sun Sin said:
"I'm tired,"
"I'll have to finish it up later."
War Diary.
(Failed. Please try again later.)
- There's another one. - What is it?
It's a movie featured by Jun Ji Hyun,
and Lee Jung Jae, "Il Mare."
- "Il Mare." - It was touching.
You can pretend to splash water on my back...
- with a bucket. - I go like this.
It's cold!
"Il Mare."
It was this.
That's why I failed.
(Failed in an instant)
You've been taking this interview for more than ten times now.
In case you were to pass this,
would there be your own philosophy of comedy?
To be honest with you, my upbringing wasn't...
that happy all the time,
but I was always a happy kid in school.
I didn't want to be seen...
as someone who doesn't live apart from his mom,
so I kept things positive,
and tried to make people laugh.
It was amazing. Everyone was dying to meet me in person.
Hearing it, what I found a bit sad...
- was that you sought joy... - That's true.
so as to cover up your sorrow.
That's what life is about.
What kind of comedian do you aspire to be, Ms. Crab?
Me? What kind of comedian...
do I want to be?
I just enjoy doing this,
and I hope others can enjoy it too.
Yes.
That's what I want to do for long.
Isn't that what this is all about,
doing what you enjoy doing...
while others enjoy what you do?
("Do what we like, or what we are good at?")
(I want to ask this question to Santa tonight.)
How did you become a comedian?
Did you pass an interview?
In 1999, I went...
into the audition for the movie "The Present" with Kim Byung Man,
which was for the comedian roles in the movie.
Byung Man was the only one...
chosen from his team,
and I was also chosen from my team.
A senior of ours told us: "Since you're both small,"
"the two of you can do something."
You hadn't known Byung Man before then?
No, because...
Lee Jung Jae played a comedian in the movie,
so we had to put up a performance a bit like "Gag Concert,"
- so we needed a themed segment, - That's right.
which Byung Man and I worked on, and it was known...
for how funny it was.
The writer of "Gag Concert" show watched it,
and invited us for a rehearsal for the show,
so we went there and showed them what we had prepared.
Having watched it, the producer at the time went: "It's funny,"
so we went on the stage right that day.
- That's so rare. - That's how I got started.
Is that when things got easy?
No, that's when things turned for the worse.
Having been on "Gag Concert" for one year,
I went for another interview the next year,
but I failed.
- When you were still in the show? - Yes.
I had been in the show for one year, so I thought I'd pass the interview.
- That's right. - That's right.
The interview at the time was open to the public,
so Byung Man's family members traveled to Seoul for us...
with a picket sign and everything. Why?
They thought that we made it, because we had been...
- on "Gag Concert" for one year. - That's right.
The night before the interview, we celebrated how we passed it...
that we had wished so much,
- You'd been on TV by then. - going: "Byung Man!"
"It's been tough, but we made it!"
We failed, though, so we were so shocked.
After the interview, we heard...
that we weren't short-listed, so we parted ways...
crying our eyes out.
It hurts.
It must have hurt so much more...
than any other failures until then.
I told Byung Man, cautiously:
"I'm sorry, but I will..."
"have to go back to being..."
"a recreational instructor."
"Keep up the good work." Byung Man didn't take it well,
saying: "How dare you leave me like this?"
Since then, Byung Man tried even harder...
and passed the interview the following year,
but I hated it all,
so I worked as a recreational instructor in the mountains.
But then he came to where I was one day,
saying: "Su Geun, come back and let's do this together."
"I made it,"
"so if you can as well, we can work together."
Byung Man came to visit me like that every day,
working on segments together.
He got all the ideas from me,
one of which was "Master."
("Master" was his invention.)
That's how "Master" came about.
During one of the orientations I had with students,
I put Byung Man on the stage to test the idea out.
"Here we have Kim Byung Man, the master of the janggu."
He placed janggu on the floor, which moved away from him...
as he sat down because it was round,
so he went nearer, but...
- He is a good actor! - it kept moving away from him...
until it fell off the stage, and that's how it all came about.
He didn't get around to even playing the janggu in the end.
True, that's his repertoire.
Coming up with ideas like that together satisfied me a lot,
which got me wondering again,
"Is this what I'm meant to do?"
"I should think again, seeing him coming to me for ideas like that."
So I ran away at night.
We had been...
in the show for about two years...
when KBS called me up one day.
Some people kept urging me to go for the interview,
but the producer of "Gag Concert" said: "You've been in it for..."
"two years, so you are no rookie. What will the interviews be for?"
- That's right. - So for the first time,
KBS acknowledged me...
as a comedian, officially.
That's when the concept of the "special application..."
- came about, all because of you. - I laid all the foundation.
I was the first of its kind, and there came about many...
more people, having been officially acknowledged by KBS,
and all of us started working together.
Are you one of them, Do Yeon?
- No, she passed the interview. - No, I passed the interview,
but one of my batch members, Song Joon Geun had been...
in "Gag Concert" for some time before he was selected,
and so was Kim Won Hyo,
which can be attributed to the special route...
- pioneered by him. - Without having to pass...
the interview, if you can prove your talent and skills like that,
- we can acknowledge you at KBS. - Acknowledged.
That's how Gag Concert started to have a variety of segments...
with so many talented comedians,
- some of which got popular. - Yes.
I heard that Su Geun came up with so many ideas...
- for the show, - I did.
- including different segments. - Of course.
Yet,
even though you came up with an idea for a segment,
you didn't play the main character role...
- but gave it away to someone else. - Yes, I did.
If that's the case,
weren't there some sort of requests or wars of nerves,
like "Can you let me take this one?"
- I guess. - It took a long time.
Even when I created a segment,
the producer told me,
"Su Geun, rather than taking the main character role,"
"you can take that one instead,"
- "and give it to someone else..." - "You can take a different role."
"so it can be funnier. What do you think?"
I agreed to the sentiment,
so I played a lot of supporting roles,
but even when I was performing,
I had this thirst...
- for the leading roles, - Of course.
but I was so happy just to be able to join a segment,
and I was recognized for certain characters I played,
so some segments ran for a long time.
When my seniors created a segment,
they asked me: "Su Geun, can you take this role for us?"
"How about this role for you?" and things like that,
which was why I was able to perform consistently.
It turned out for the better in the end in that regard.
As you are so aware, Do Yeon,
they say that you "come up with a segment,"
which is to create a skit that's 6 to 7 minutes long,
but it doesn't mean you can film it right away.
- That's right. - You see,
there is a confined time window of 60 to 70 minutes,
whereas more and more comedians try to get on the show...
- because they want to be on TV. - More of them, yes.
That's why you had to get your skills...
- sort of confirmed. - That was in Daehangno, where...
- the Galgali Family was tested. - That's true.
As Do Yeon talked about how there were play theaters...
- where your new segment... - I used to frequent those places.
had to be tested,
your idea had to be always tested in those play theaters,
and confirmed on the stage before it could turn into a segment.
(Daehangno, Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu)
How long has it been?
I don't even...
remember when it was the last time I came here.
- It's been that long. - Yes, it's been that long.
This area wasn't...
block-paved before, was it?
- There used to be a theater here. - There was an enclave here...
where all the comedy clubs...
started performing for the first time...
in 1955, under the name "Top Gag."
"Gag Concert..."
at KBS started in 1999,
but it turns out that I'd already used that name in 1995...
when I was performing here.
It was a bit like busking then?
That's right.
It was a bit like busking at the time.
How time flies.
I just remembered this.
I got here early in the morning to sleep inside the theater...
but it was closed which was supposed to be open all the time.
The director didn't answer my phone, though,
so I had to go up that way...
- There are many benches there. - and slept on one of those benches.
I think I did once.
It must have been early fall.
- Early fall? It must've been cold. - At the time, I covered...
my body with newspaper sheets. I bet you haven't tried it, right?
- I haven't. - They're so warm.
They're a great insulator.
I think sports newspaper sheets are warmer...
with their colors and all. They're thicker than other ones.
With that tiny difference in the amount of ink?
Shall we try it for 30 minutes...
- over here? - No thanks.
Now,
you're mainstream in the entertainment industry.
No way, think about my age! I'm nowhere near it.
Also, people talk...
about the difference in quality between having Su Geun...
on a show and not.
Not to that extent of discussing the quality of a show, but maybe...
- whether it's more fun or not. - Of course.
Now you're mainstream,
but when you used to live here in Daehangno,
it must have been tough because you were not popular.
It was so tough.
The reason why we stopped here at this very spot is...
because this area around here is...
where so many comedians...
- laughed and cried. - This area? How come?
Now the name of the stage has changed to "to let."
Now it's changed to "to let,"
- This one here? - The one with a "to let" placard...
what happened here? Everyone, this place used to be...
- the Galgali Hall, - That's right, the Galgali Hall.
in front of which hundreds of people used to line up...
- for the show, but... - The line went round all the way.
This used to be the entrance of the Galgali Hall.
It used to be here,
but now it's to be let. Hello.
Hello!
- Hello! - Can you jump down here?
- It's scary!
It used to be here.
It's completely...
- locked up now. - This is saddening.
(Some people developed their dreams here.)
(Some people rooted for them.)
(To let)
(The memories are locked up behind the metal door.)
This is the entrance of the Galgali Hall.
This is the way.
It used to be so popular, but now...
it's closed down.
It must be sad for you.
It feels like part of my memories have disappeared.
Over time,
I feel a bit sad to let go of some of my memories.
This is where all those comedians...
who cried and laughed here...
have their memories buried within,
but the fact that comedy theaters in Daehangno are...
beginning to disappear one by one shows...
how fewer people are...
seeking laughter.
And it saddens me.
It saddens me too. I like comedies...
and I'm personally close to some comedians.
You may find this question...
- a bit uncomfortable. - No, not at all.
The problem with supply and demand could be...
a problem of chicken or eggs.
- That's right. - It could,
so the fact that theaters are disappearing may be...
because people are less interested...
in comedies,
- That's true. - but on the other hand...
[Kocowa Ver] SBS E04 'Because Lee Dong Wook Wants to Talk' "Lee Su Geun" -♥ Ruo Xi ♥-
It could be because it is less entertaining,
which is why people grew...
- That's true. - but on the other hand...
It could be because it is less entertaining,
- which is why people grew... - That's right.
less interested in them, I think.
That was accurate.
The idea that it is less interesting...
that people are not looking for them...
makes sense for sure.
I'm just saying that it could be seen like that as well.
- It's just that... - You can, for sure.
It does sadden me,
because comedy theaters like this...
are where new comedians...
- were discovered. - Yes, of course.
It's a space where they can practice and try their best.
However, it's disappearing these days.
- It's a pity. - It sure is.
Which act did you come up with here?
Oh, lots of them.
The most memorable act I came up with here...
was "High Pitch Impossible."
You see, it didn't happen overnight.
After Park Joon Hyung did his act,
the person who was supposed to do the next act didn't show up.
- So suddenly? - Yes, suddenly.
We were like "isn't there anything to do?"
We just...
grabbed long coats hanging about...
It was like your coat. I'd look the same if I wear that.
We also wore wigs. In the past,
I used to work at a mall.
I would sing in front of the shop to grab people's attention.
I would have a frog in the throat for singing so much.
I'd sing Kim Kyung Ho's song...
If the heavens love me
Like this,
and I remember them laughing.
- You just had a hoarse throat. - Right.
I remember the audience laughing at that.
So I wanted to try it. We wore the wigs,
and did the gig with Ryu Dam and Byun Ki Soo, who sings well.
It was so impulsive, there was no content.
We just started as the music started.
But the reaction was explosive.
They thought it was funny. So at the night show,
we did it again. And it continued...
- You received positive feedback. - Yes. We were new and nameless.
But they would come just to see "High Pitch Impossible."
- The fans. - There were fans?
So on the website of "Gag Concert,"
they would write things like "High Pitch Impossible..."
"is so funny. Why isn't it on the show?"
That's how it was created.
- And it became... - It became a hit.
So...
we bravely went to "Gag Concert" to get approved.
After we showed them,
they were laughing their heads off.
But the director went,
"I don't think so. Isn't it just a one-time thing?"
Oh, my.
- "It's just one-off." - He was doubtful.
"Aren't you laughing at it because you're comedians?"
- He wasn't so sure. - No.
But thanks to Joon Hyung of "Galgali Family..."
He was our boss.
- He was certain. - That it'll work.
He convinced them to believe in us this once.
And let them go on stage just this once.
So in 2006...
I think it was January.
That's when they let us go on stage.
- Then will you... - Yeah?
Please, show us on this stage.
(Please, show us on this stage.)
You, is this the right note? I'll try.
You are You try this part I just did.
(He tosses the skit to the host.)
Why are you making me do things today?
You may not be beautiful than a rose
(What was that?)
"High Pitch Impossible" is...
- But your scent is stronger - Yes, stop there.
Look, "High Pitch Impossible" can't be done alone.
You're right.
Please, play it up to "scent..."
and don't play from "stronger."
- Are you ready? - Yes.
- We were trios. - Oh, right. Sure.
- Stand up. - I'll be Ryu Dam.
("High Pitch Impossible" was a trio.)
Harmony from the above.
The voice abandoned by the sky.
"High Pitch Impossible" will sing...
Shin Seung Hun's "Your Smile in My Memory".
("Your Smile in My Memory" by Shin Seung Hun)
You may not
Be beautiful than a rose
But your scent
Is stronger
(Is stronger)
(Explosive reaction)
This is the reaction.
- This is it. - Bravo.
(A perfect "High Pitch Impossible")
I feel overwhelmed if I look back.
To make this even funnier,
I used to sing it longer.
For example,
usually, it's a short "is stronger."
But in order to go lower,
I'd have to...
- squeeze it out. - Yes.
I don't stop at the end, I drag on.
"Stronger."
(He effectively lowers the note by squeezing it out.)
It's not "champion."
Champion
(Glare)
There's one more thing to laugh about.
You kind of glare at people.
It's visually effective.
- Yes, I do that. - Right.
I know.
Let me ask you about "High Pitch Impossible."
I don't think "stronger" part...
only lowered the keys.
He's super smart.
He not only lowered the keys,
but he's also singing a note that doesn't exist.
(A real out of tune sound)
- He's a genius! - It doesn't exist!
- It really doesn't exist. - So you can't play it?
It doesn't exist in the music note.
Did you know about this?
Of course not.
I think you should learn English...
and go worldwide with this.
I think seven billion people would love it.
(7 billion people would love it.)
So...
this is how it started.
- Yes. - So from then on.
After that, you made a lot of other acts.
- A lot. - I remember...
- Yes. - Yes.
There's something in common.
All of them use music as a source.
I think that's...
- your representation. - Yeah.
I like musical gags.
Because there's a lower chance of failing.
Even if it's not funny, they all clap at least.
So the audience...
still feel aroused.
When I was doing the "Yayaya Brothers..."
- Ya ya ya ya ya - Right, right.
I would do things like that.
I used to do "Music Drama."
I had a sad situation turned to comedy.
I had that act and...
Do you mind passing me the guitar?
(I'll show you.)
If you hear a music play,
you need to act. It's "Music Drama."
So if I sit here alone with a guitar...
Am I doing it again?
You need to.
- Today... - Today, you're Kim Byung Man.
- There's no one else. - Who's the guest here?
(I can't do this alone.)
The music drama you'll be watching today...
is called "Father."
(Today's "Music Drama" is "Father.")
You should weep at the thought of your father.
But why can't I stop laughing?
"Father," cue the music.
This is how it goes.
You need to lie down, but that's impossible.
- Like this? - If you sit like that...
- Do Yeon, I need you. - All right.
Dad, wake up.
You can't leave me yet.
You should get better soon. Then, Dong Wook will...
"I think your father's time's up."
"Do Yeon, live happily."
Then I'll start playing this really fast.
When I play this,
Do Yeon should grab his collar and shake it.
The father...
The father needs to do this too.
- All right? - Wait a second.
Then the two of us are doing this.
(The two of us ended up doing this act.)
Oh, you're right.
- I told you. - Why are you holding a guitar?
My part...
is supporting someone...
to make people laugh.
Okay, here we go.
The music drama you'll be watching today...
is "Father."
Looking at the sick father...
makes you cry.
However, why can't you stop yourself from laughing?
"Father," cue the music.
Dad, wake up.
Looking at you sick like that makes me sad.
I'm sorry, Do Yeon.
I don't have the energy.
I'm sorry.
(I'll energize you.)
(Getting excited)
Father, father.
Father, wake up.
My time has...
I'm really unwell.
Father, if you're like this...
It makes me sad.
I'm really unwell. Yo, deejay, pump this party.
Yes.
I'm really unwell.
Yo, deejay, pump this party.
This is how you do this.
That was great.
(Burned out)
Wasn't it fun?
It really was fun.
We did this in early 2000.
The idea of using music was great.
But it's still so sophisticated.
- I agree. - Yes.
Yu Jae Seok does Yoosanseul these days.
(Su Geun is the ancestor of a comedian and singer.)
I actually debuted on "Riverside Song Festival."
I wrote a lot of songs too.
I've been making trot songs for a while now.
With rich people as a theme...
The title is "Seo Jang Hoon."
But Jang Hoon...
didn't want his name used as the title.
- So I might call this "SJH." - Then, no one would know.
I can't...
show you all of it. I'm still working on it.
But it'll be amazing.
But for Dong Wook, I'll play a little bit.
- A little bit? - Title is...
"Use All the Money in My Wallet".
That's the title, and it's a trot song.
Use all the money in my wallet
Is it too high?
Use all the money in my wallet
Card and cash, it's all fine
Use all the money you can
Pick stuff you need
Pick stuff you like
All I have is money
So pick something
You said you love me
That's how it goes.
It's incomplete.
(Feels like a hit)
- But the keys... - Anyway...
It too high, though. What did you think?
Use all the money...
If you release an English version, seven billion people would...
I think he likes various versions.
I thought you were an AI program.
- He repeats everything. - For all questions.
Everything’s now computerized after Lee Se Dol came here.
The musical talent...
or musical gags...
The thirst for those,
have you had this thirst continuously?
I'm always hungry for those.
I gather with my colleagues when I have a day off.
And although going on stage is unplanned,
we always have meetings together.
It's different from an entertainment program.
- Of course. - You have to be prepared fully.
As hard as I try,
I get returned in laughter. Hard work pays off.
I plan hard.
If it's a perfect show, the audience will laugh harder.
So I always...
think about it continuously.
Anyway,
you mentioned that a program and comedy are different.
Yes.
Did you have a hard time adjusting?
It's really hard.
With stand-up comedy,
you move according to a plan, and you expect a laugh.
A show program doesn't have that.
It was hard in the beginning.
I couldn't adjust.
For me,
it was the hardest time,
but at the same time, my name was known to the world...
because of Kang Ho Dong.
I've never...
changed my thought on that.
Then Kang Ho Dong...
to you...
- was a decisive figure. - Correct.
He also gave me the hardest time.
At first, I couldn't adjust to the setting.
They were just laughing at themselves.
Comedians like us would plan and move accordingly.
But they would laugh at each other saying stupid things.
So I was taking sides unconsciously.
I wasn't laughing when they were.
I wasn't laughing.
I later found out, I was the odd one out.
Yet, I still waited for a chance.
And Ho Dong observed that.
He kept watching me to see how long I'll keep that up.
Then one day,
a chance came across where you know it's the big break.
(Finally, a chance came.)
We were on a mountain.
They asked the expert in winging it...
what persimmon is in English.
- A persimmon? - I remember that.
"Hey, Su Geun. You're an expert."
"You'd know what that is in English."
But it only took a split second for it to come out.
I used the pronunciation...
and said "bitter."
- Because it's bitter. - Oh, bitterness.
So that's what I said.
They burst out in laughter.
They then asked about mandarin.
I said it's sour.
(Mandarin? Sour.)
That's what I said.
So that completed me.
I felt so good.
That moment was really amazing.
I had a good night's sleep that night.
You must have felt refreshed.
I was so refreshed.
But Ho Dong's style...
feels like he's pressuring you.
Once you overcome it,
you become a star.
If you can handle that pressure...
When he was doing "X-Man" and "Love Letter,"
a lot of people became stars.
He gives you all the chances.
Right.
He's not like that anymore.
I'm the one giving him a chance now.
That's right.
Yes.
Now you guys know by the look on each other's faces.
Am I right?
Yes.
I know what he's thinking, and what he wants to eat.
If he wants noodles, I know how many to cook.
I really like him.
And I really look up to him.
I'm thankful for his energy.
All right.
We have a section called "Flex Talk."
You need to boast...
about yourself.
- Right. - Listen to the keywords I say.
- And if it rings a bell... - Right.
Please, feel free to boast.
- You know what "flex" is, right? - Like I'm loaded.
- Bullseye. - It's like bluffing.
(He knows what it is.)
(And he knows how to sit.)
Father, father.
It's quite addictive, right?
I was tempted by your slouching.
Don't do that to your real father.
Now, I'll give you...
the keyword.
An expert in using your body!
(Flex Keyword: A Body Expert)
I need to do something.
(With music, he can't stay seated.)
Play that again.
(Customization complete)
Come on.
- This is how you do it. - I learned a lot.
- It's great.
- It's for the guests to feel free. - Thank you.
- Yes. - He absorbs it fast, too.
If you think of him, he's handsome...
and an actor. So I felt a bit uncomfortable.
But because he does this,
and this...
Stop it now.
And this...
It's all fun.
He's a body expert.
You are a slapstick comedian.
Sure. I can flex about this.
When you do slapstick, it must not look painful.
It's a great tip.
You're right.
And it can't inflict pain.
If you look in pain,
- people can't laugh. - For example...
I'm on "Because I Want to Talk."
I sometimes think...
that I...
I sometimes think that I...
So I can tell you this,
that sometimes,
- it can't happen... - That looked authentic.
I thought...
you were Kim Jung Ryeol.
There are things...
that you can't show.
(He got excited and showed another one.)
You have to step with your toe.
You need to use your toe.
(He successfully flexes.)
- That was it. - Amazing.
- Flexing. - It's nothing.
- I can only be amazed. - It's nothing.
- How funny was that? - So your show...
(Slapstick is very addictive.)
A person...
You learn really well.
If you are in pain, it won't be aired.
You're right.
The audience can't know.
- Yes. - We know...
that you're a black belt.
- And... - You're good at using your body.
You're an expert in kicking things.
- Also, you like soccer. - I like soccer.
- You're doing a soccer program. - Yes, I am.
There is a friend of mine on that show.
Yes, I know.
Everyone praises your soccer skills.
I used to do Taekwondo.
During my heyday,
I thought I could fly when I make a jump.
- You jumped so high. - When I land,
I felt afraid.
Because I went up too high.
There's a saying,
- that you're a genre. - I heard that.
And when they talk about you,
they always mention you're a genius.
- He's a genius of ad-libs. - Thank you.
Do you just instantly think of it?
Yes, strangely.
Sometimes,
I come up with two things at once.
But you only have one mouth.
- What can you do? - They're both funny.
And I can choose only one.
Sometimes, it happens.
Then...
were you born with this talent?
Of course.
(Of course.)
(He was born this way.)
(You should do this, too.)
- Hilarious. - Stop it.
Stop making me do things.
You're watching "Because I Want to Talk."
We're here with Comic Actor Lee Su Geun.
What's it like living...
as a comic actor?
People may think little of you.
Since I'm supposed to make people laugh.
We might look small.
When people approach you,
they may give you feedback.
It may be provocative,
and also act in a certain way.
Comedians...
actually get hurt easily.
- I agree. - We're human.
We can't laugh out loud like others.
We have this unresolved depression so big,
but people don't see it.
We need to endure it...
to spread laughter.
I thank my colleagues.
Actually,
I thought I didn't have any anxiety issues.
But I was caught off guard when I had a break.
I was anxious.
I'm a mentally bright person.
And I thought I was stronger than anyone else.
Before that,
I didn't believe any of the things the celebrities said.
Because everyone said they had it, like a virus.
I thought that was nonsense.
But such a thing does exist.
I just didn't know.
I had unresolved issues.
- It came out. - Yes, as a disorder.
I couldn't breathe.
I'm fine now, and I'm not taking pills.
But there are issues.
I hope you can be more understanding.
Well...
I have a lot of comedian friends.
When I drink beer with them,
people don't talk to me.
But people...
approach comedians...
- a little... - They feel comfortable.
Yes, but it sometimes crosses the line.
I witnessed it.
They treat them bad.
It's too...
I know what you're trying to say.
So when I see that, I feel frustrated and angry.
Of course, they just feel like they're close to them.
But there's a difference between intimacy and rudeness.
- You're right. - If you could...
- treat them with respect... - Once,
I was drinking, And a guy threw me his keys and said...
"Let's go to Ilsan."
To you?
Because I'm a model of a chauffeur service provider.
So I told him it costs 1,000 dollars,
and then he said: "That's pricier than I thought!"
I'd have done it willingly if he'd paid me that much.
So you always keep your word.
I learned how to turn down such things...
without hurting their feelings.
Then, we both can laugh without feeling offended.
That's right. That's amazing.
People might think having a job to make...
others laugh would be really easy.
But actually, it's really hard.
It is.
And what you said in the past really impressed me.
You said there are so many ways to hurt others' feelings,
but it's really difficult to make others laugh.
- That's right. - Right.
- I always think about it... - You remember it.
while working...
- and feel proud of my job. - You have such a great job.
I totally forgot about it.
- I see. - That's sad.
- I remembered... - You're right.
There are countless ways to hurt others' feelings
Right.
But there are only a few ways to make others laugh.
And we're trying those few ways.
So I hope you also know that and support us.
Then, I'd really appreciate it and keep doing my best.
For about 3 to 4 days,
I tried to come up with the best way to ask you this question.
- I wasn't sure if I could ask this. - Really?
If it took you three days to figure it out, you'd better not do it.
Many say the same thing.
We shouldn't do it if we aren't sure about it.
You said you thought about it for three days, let's hear it.
Okay.
People gave you...
an awesome nickname "Always Number Two."
Now I'd like to ask you how you think about the nickname.
I thought about it for a long time, but I kind of envy you.
I think...
being number two of something is really nice.
It means I'm recognized as a good comedian.
But I've always thought it this way.
When I did a comedy show with Kim Byung Man,
I felt happier when he was funnier than me.
I always felt great when those next to me...
did something funny and made people laugh.
I never thought of myself as number two,
and I don't really care if I'm called number 2 or 3.
I haven't really thought about it deeply.
Of course, I also have a dream to be a good host...
of many shows...
like Yu Jae Seok and Kang Ho Dong...
- like everyone else. - I understand.
But one day, I realized...
that's not what's important because we all have our own roles.
- We have different roles. - That's right.
Only a very small number of talented people...
can have the number one title. So I just do what I can do.
On the other hand,
among the number 2 comedians, I could be number 1.
- That's right. - And...
among other groups of people, I could be number 4 or 5.
Or maybe the yolk or the white.
I could be anything.
- He's the master of ad-libs. - He really is.
That's so cool.
It's simple.
Nobody can dare to call you number 1 or number 2.
It'd be best to be just myself.
That's right. That's what I'm saying.
I just want to be seen as Comedian Lee Su Geun.
Thank you for giving me the number two title, by the way.
But I don't really care about it and feel grateful...
for being able to act and work in front of many cameras.
I have a new habit.
What is it?
I look back on the day before I go to sleep.
I think what happened that day and if I made any mistakes,
and if I find any, I make calls to apologize.
Throughout my life, so many things happened,
which I can't just simply call experiences.
And I learned lessons from those.
So I tell young comedians about what I learned.
And I also...
drink too much with a small number of people...
and go home early for the next day.
This is how I've changed.
Now I don't know why I agonized so much to ask this question.
That was the best and the wisest answer ever.
I'm very flattered. Thank you.
I also liked when you said this...
although you just said that as a joke.
You said you could be the yolk,
- but the yolk means the core. - That's right.
- It's at the center. - I could be the white too.
- It's rich in protein. - I could be anything.
- So you just do your own role. - Exactly.
I found it really nice...
that the staff tells me about my role...
in the show before the shooting starts.
The production staff members give me a specific role.
They tell you if you're the yolk or the white?
They sometimes tell me...
- that my role would be a raw egg. - That it'd be a soft-boiled egg...
- or a poached egg? - They always tell me beforehand.
I usually talk to the staff a lot,
so I mostly accept their ideas...
and prepare for the given roles.
Since I started to accept their ideas, I felt much better.
When I was younger and on the rise,
I just thought they were nagging at me when they made suggestions...
and said: "I can handle it in my own way."
But now I'm totally different.
Actually, I wasn't a mean guy,
but I just didn't know how to cooperate with others.
Listening to you, I could see...
that you became calm and relaxed while working...
and know the real value...
- of the roles you have. - Thank you.
I said you are getting bigger and bigger.
And now you look really big.
Thank you.
Should we stand back to back again?
Why are you still sitting there?
Geez.
(I taught you too many things.)
You stood up too late.
Great.
I want to know what your dream is.
The dreams I have...
Actually, I've always been dreaming of one thing.
I haven't made the whole nation laugh yet.
I still have a long way to make the entire nation laugh.
It's surprising to hear you say that.
There are still some people mistaking me for Byung Man.
So I still need to work harder as a comedian.
The idol singers perform all around the world, and that's really cool.
But I should fulfill my job as a comedian...
to make the entire Korean people laugh.
I think I've reached only to Gyeonggi-do so far.
- To the metropolitan area? - I should go beyond Cheonan...
Beyond Cheonan?
to Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do.
What about Gangwon-do?
I already made the Gangwon people laugh with the Gangwon dialect.
I said: "Have you tried the potatoes?"
I succeeded in making...
- the Gangwon people laugh. - What about Jeju Island?
I haven't been able to cover Jeju Island yet either.
- Since I haven't achieved the goal, - You have a long way to go.
I always try to come up with new ideas.
I want to say that I still have a lot to show you.
And I also want to be seen and remembered...
as a hilarious and cheerful guy.
These are my dreams.
- You want to make the nation laugh. - Right.
That's such an amazing dream.
We had a talk with Su Geun about laughter today.
Humans are the only ones that can laugh.
It's such an incredible blessing.
I hope your days will be filled with laughter and happiness.
This has been Comic Actor Lee Su Geun!
(We root for Comic Actor Lee Su Geun who never stops.)
Let's hold hands.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you.
I wish
I wish I were taller
At the end of the year 2019
I met all my friends from my old school
(2019 Year-end Party)
It's so good to see you.
- Hey, Dong Wook. - It's great seeing you.
- I heard you became a comedian. - Yes.
- You were hilarious. - Do you want me to show you?
He let go of everything.
It's been a while we've met. It's all on me today.
- I'd love that. - That's so cool.
I'm so glad to see you all! Let's go!
- I wish - Stop laughing.
I wish I were taller
(Because I Want to Talk)