(One December day, a small theater in Daehangro)
(Because I Want to Talk)
(A special stage is being prepared.)
(Because I Want to Talk)
(It's for him.)
Why are you patting my head?
Are you complimenting me?
Why are you patting my head all of a sudden?
Did you see our show?
I was forced to.
Sorry. You told me to be frank.
Of course.
We went outdoors and we looked like brothers.
When we were talking by the wall,
it looked like a drama scene.
But that was all a waste.
Do you have any suggestions?
If this is useless, just chuck it.
And the laughing is too long.
Make an immediate transition.
(Host Lee Dong Wook)
(Show MC Jang Do Yeon)
(Seo Young Do Band, Talk analyst Cho Jung Sik)
(Because I Want to Talk)
(Lee Dong Wook, actor and show host)
Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
Hello to our viewers.
I'm Lee Dong Wook for Because I Want to Talk.
We have a special venue.
I can see the audience...
from much closer, and that's nice.
Yes, it's nice.
Let's have fun creating today's show.
I'll tell you in a minute...
why we're in a different place.
First, I'll introduce you...
to our staff for the show.
If you combine pretty and cool, you get 'prool.'
(Getting ready to be complimented)
The word 'prool' is the best word...
that describes this person.
Jang Do Yeon.
(Jang Do Yeon, Show MC)
These guys make our show...
even richer with rhythm and melody.
Seo Young Do Band.
(Cho Shin Il on guitar, Park Gi Hoon on clarinet,)
(Q the Trumpet, and Seo Young Do on bass)
It's nice to have a smaller band. The music...
sounds richer too.
- It's like we have... - Right.
a family.
How do you feel being at a small theater?
It's nice.
You get these cheers.
It energizes you and makes you nervous.
I shouldn't leave with empty hands.
(He acquired one kimbap without permission.)
I'll ask you a question.
Try to answer it.
This is good for relieving stress, alleviating pain,
and losing weight. What is this?
- Yes. - Americano.
Americano?
Right. Caffeine is good for breaking down fat.
Yes.
- Laughter. - Laughter?
Who else?
Clapping. We have the answer.
It was laughter.
There has been a lot of research...
on the scientific effects of laughter.
Charlie Chaplin, the master of laughter,
once said the following.
"Laughter is nutrition, tranquilizer, and pain killer."
So today, we have someone who will make sure...
that our audience and viewers all have...
a good time.
If I had to find Korea's Charlie Chaplin,
I'd choose him without hesitation.
The Comedian Lee Su Geun.
(The kimbap from before)
(Skilled entertainer)
- Lee Su Geun. - Lee Su Geun.
Nice to see you.
- Can I sit here? - Yes.
- Thank you. - Go ahead.
Thank you.
- Do I look different? - You look fabulous.
Anyway, today...
I'm on Lee Dong Wook's Because I Want to Talk.
- I feel so good. - Indeed.
We're still young, right?
You prepared a lot already.
No. It just thought of it.
The kimbap you gave them...
was for the staff.
(Sorry)
No one was eating it. It must've gone bad.
There are still 12 kimbaps left. I wanted to try it.
It's okay since it's cold.
- Lee Su Geun, I'm happy to see you. - Me too.
I never knew I'd meet you like this.
I really wanted to meet him too.
It's an honor to have you today.
It's an honor to be with you.
Okay, and that's it for today.
(The end)
(Innovative talk show)
This is the kind of show we need.
- This is how it should be. - Right.
- It's so nice. - I always say it's...
- an innovative talk show. - We can say hello and leave.
If we really did that,
people would say, "What's going on?"
That's what we need. We're just so...
- Too long. - We talk about how we're doing.
This is it, actually. You can look me up on the internet.
- Right. - But still,
people might be curious about you since you're so hot these days.
I'm not that hot. You're hotter.
- I enjoyed it. - What?
The show with Gong Yoo.
Did you feel more comfortable then or now?
- I feel more comfortable now. - Right?
You feel comfortable because...
- we look similar. - Right.
- In what sense? - Overall.
Overall?
(They have the same 23rd pair of chromosomes.)
Why are you making a fist?
My hands are cold.
I heard you go around hitting older guys. Be careful.
We prepared the stage like a small theater. Do you like it?
I'm so thankful.
I'm reminded of how I felt back then.
Even back then, the audience was usually women.
It's energizing when you can communicate from close by.
Right.
You can look them in the eye when you're talking.
You can see the immediate response...
from the audience.
Am I doing something wrong?
So you can react to it quickly.
People at a comedy performance are there to laugh.
- They're open. - Right.
So you might have a big hit at a small theater,
but if you do it at Gag Concert or People Looking for a Laugh,
it might not work.
People at small theaters are ready to laugh.
But in television, that might not be the case.
Right.
So small theaters are attractive.
I was outside and heard people screaming during the opening,
and I got pretty excited.
It makes you a bit nervous too. It's really nice.
It's been a while since you felt excitement or nervousness, right?
Last week.
- It's been one week? - It's been a while.
I perform at Sungkyunkwan University.
Some of you were there, right?
There must be.
If they're this quiet, I think not.
They like free stuff.
That's going to be question 26.
- Okay. - Take your time.
The order is all mixed up.
You're the same front to back.
I heard you're a regular at our chauffeur service.
(Drunk driving is strictly prohibited.)
We invited you today to talk about laughter.
I heard that you told our staff that you're going...
to make people laugh all they want.
It's nothing, really.
There's no need to try.
Why would you prepare kimbap?
I'll just relax and talk to people.
To give people a good time...
and make them feel they watched a performance,
- you've got to work hard. - Right.
We're okay. Things we can do under our own name are...
running for senator and going on Dong Wook's show.
That's right.
I'm also an actor,
but since you're an actor who makes people laugh,
I introduced you as a comedian.
- Thank you. - Did you like it?
I really like it. The word 'comedian...'
comes down from our seniors.
It's such an honor...
to have that title.
I have a junior comedian next to me.
- Right. - I still remember that.
You were in a corner with Jang Do Yeon.
We did several together but the biggest one was...
"If I Were Tall."
The most important thing from that corner was...
- discovering Jang Do Yeon. - Right.
- The name Jang Do Yeon... - I'm so thankful.
kept coming up.
Was that your debut performance?
Yes, I still remember. I just needed to say one line,
do the dance, and leave.
But he told me to do something extra...
until the moment I left the stage.
He took care of the details like that.
At the end, I was supposed to leave after "If I Were Tall."
But I went "If I Were Tall."
I just did anything.
(This is the same person.)
1, 2, 3, go.
(The passion of a rookie)
(The fate of a rookie)
(A rookie overdoing it)
I remember this about Do Yeon.
Instead of scolding her, I said, "Think before you come on stage."
Plan your own moves.
It was so funny.
"Do Yeon, think before acting."
This would be scolding for me, right now.
When I heard that,
I should've thought, "I need to work harder."
But she showed up the next day all the same.
Myeong Hoon was surprised.
"You really don't think at all."
I learned a lot from that.
But now, Do Yeon...
Of course. I have more to learn from her now.
- She's the 'prool' girl. - I try.
Both of you are great.
I suppose the word 'comedian' can give you pressure.
I'm also an actor,
but comic acting, making people laugh is really hard.
It's hard to know when to go in.
Right.
If I look funny, look away.
That's not it.
You're sitting so politely.
This would be weird, right?
(I'll pretend I didn't see that.)
I don't know what you'd think, but usually if you do this,
it goes down right away, but you're like this.
- My feet won't touch. - You're so cute.
Dong Wook, make me feel comfortable.
Since the MC is being so polite...
I have something like a principle.
I don't like to cross my legs...
or feel too relaxed in front of the viewers.
He can have a talk show under his own name...
because he has the right attitude.
- Thank you. - Of course.
- Really. It's important. - That's nice.
Right.
So I have a question.
Why do you keep laughing?
I wondered if you could answer my questions.
A famous guy once said,
the life of a comedian is like this.
It's a comedy from afar but a tragedy from up close.
- It's famous. - When seen from afar,
comedians look happy and joyful.
But when you talk to them from up close,
they have sorrows and pains too.
I think that's how my life is.
These days, they add another line.
A comedy from afar, a tragedy from up close,
it's an honor to meet Su Geun.
It rhymes.
(Amazed)
You mentioned this just now, but you started out...
- with open comedy. - Yes.
I think the stage would feel quite special for you.
How is it?
I started out on the stage.
I always miss the stage.
I was a recreation instructor for a long time.
Back then, it was a stage for students.
I bet some of you here,
and from our viewers,
there must be a lot of people who were there...
when I was a recreation instructor.
There's a lot of celebrities too.
- Do you remember them? - Even idol singers...
would say hi to me.
If you think about it, meeting the students,
playing guitar, doing recreation with a lot of people...
Those performances are still with me today.
So on variety shows and on stage,
they come up impulsively.
The know-how that I accumulated became my weapons.
- It became your nutrition. - Right.
I'm curious. When you look at the students,
some of them follow along and respond to you well.
But the crooked guys...
- Right, the bad boys... - What is this?
I played games with them one on one.
- For example... - Right in front of them?
This is a really childish game. Follow me. Big ball.
Big ball.
Viewers, follow me. Don't just watch.
- Big ball. - Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
Make a loud voice for big ball, and a small voice for small ball.
Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
- Do Yeon. Big ball. - Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
- Big ball. - Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
You have a rebellious student. Dong Wook, isn't this fun?
We're going to play big ball, small ball.
- If he gets it right, - This is so childish.
I'm going to give him a gift card.
- Can you do it? - Yes.
They say, "That's too easy."
- It's too easy. - Let's try.
- Big ball. - Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
Now, we do it the other way round.
If I say small ball, say big ball. If I say big ball, say small ball.
- Big ball. - Small ball.
- Small ball. - Big ball.
- Big ball. - Small ball.
- Small ball. - Big ball.
- Small ball. - Small ball.
Do you get it?
There's no way he can get it right.
- But... - You can't follow it.
If I say big ball, you unconsciously follow after me.
Everyone laughs, and this guy is having fun too.
(The retreat gets more fun, and the teenager is tamed.)
That's what happens.
If there's a rebellious kid,
I go one on one with them. That was my skill.
On the previous episode,
- Lee Se Dol was on. - Right.
Se Dol looked...
- so magnificent. - He does have that aura.
But in my eyes, you're starting to look more magnificent.
(Thanks)
Let's return back...
to talking about his life.
He used to be a recreational instructor...
and then became a comedian.
- I heard it was difficult. - It sure was.
That's what I heard.
My resume was rejected more than 10 times.
Back then,
after I officially became a comedian,
I thought, "It would've been better had they accepted me sooner."
"I would've performed better things,"
"and being younger, I would've been more energetic."
I didn't get why I became a comedian so late.
But looking back, I realized...
that we all have our own timing.
I realized that later on.
(Situational Talk: In order to understand the guest better,)
(this cutting-edge role-play will bring out their real intentions.)
How do I do the crab again?
"Hello, my name is Lee Dong Wook, and I'm number 111."
I'm so tense.
"Hello, I'm a crab from Yeonpyeong Island."
What are you doing?
Hello.
- Are you here for the recruitment? - Yes.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Hello. - Congratulations.
- For what? - You'll get in.
- Me? Why? - Yes.
- What is it? - I've never seen anyone...
look so funny.
Are you a foreigner?
- Me? - Yes.
- Congratulations. You'll become... - Thank you.
- a rookie comedian. - Excuse me.
I'm good at mimicking a crab.
- Try it. - I'm a crab from Yeonpyeong Island.
(He's impressed.)
- Try it. - I'm a crab from Yeonpyeong Island.
- Hey. - I came here like this.
Everyone on Line One stared at me.
If you want to get in,
you need to soak your body in soy sauce.
- It looks a bit uncomfortable. - I see.
Congratulations.
- Thank you. - You just make me laugh.
- My senior is Okdongja. - I know him.
He was accepted the moment he sat down.
He didn't even perform anything.
- You can be like that as well. - I'm that funny-looking?
(You're the next Okdongja.)
(If that's the case...)
- You're good. - Hey, you're good.
- I'm so jealous of him. - Thank you for your kind words.
- Sit down. - Okay.
I'm so jealous.
I'm so jealous of people who look like him.
- Number 111? - Here.
- Number 112? - Here.
- Number 113? - Here.
Get ready.
Okay, I'll do my best.
What? I thought you were a comedian?
- Are you also a participant? - Yes.
What? Then why did you pretend like you were a senior comedian?
How dare you judge us?
Did I do that?
That's not it. Listen up.
- Isn't this your first time? - Yes.
- Isn't this your second time? - Yes.
This is already my 10th time.
I'm pretty much your senior.
- If this is your 10th time here, - Right.
does your family not say anything about it?
- They don't even pick up. - Why not?
Because I've been auditioning for about a decade now.
Also, I used to be good at taekwondo...
and win many tournaments.
So my father assumed that I was going to pursue that sport.
But I didn't do that willingly.
In my heart, I always yearned...
- To be a comedian? - to be a comedian.
I'm desperate to become one, but it's been difficult.
I have a question.
10 years is a long time.
Why do you want to be a comedian so badly?
I have no idea why.
- You just can't help it? - That's the only thing...
I had in mind.
Even during my school years, my friends had told me...
to become a comedian.
- Does that mean... - You were talented.
you were talented from the get-go?
In high school, I was the emcee...
for our neighborhood's singing contest.
- Not your school but neighborhood? - Yes.
Two singing contests were held at the same time...
- in Yangpyeong-gun. - That's large-scale.
The competition was fierce.
I'd create the posters to advertise our contest.
- The posters? - Yes.
- To bring more guests? - I said Deux would be coming.
- Deux? Was it a lie? - I said so.
"You came to see Deux, right?" And they'd say yes.
"Here's Deux!"
I'd go backstage and dress up like this.
(He and his junior danced as Deux.)
My junior and I danced to their song.
- We pretended to be them. - Then...
- Weren't they mad? - Our dance moves...
were on point.
- It could've been upsetting. - They weren't.
Were you that good?
One of their trademark dance moves...
was doing this then returning back to their position.
(Deux' members: Lee Hyun Do and Kim Seong Jae)
(This is the part he's talking about.)
I traveled 50m while doing this.
I stopped when I got sick of it.
(The safest bet is to be funny.)
That's what I did.
For another dance move, you sit like this.
- Right. - Right.
- Right. - And then, you stand up.
But ours was funny.
I'd sit down,
and my junior would pull me up.
- You planned all of that? - Of course.
You had your own routine.
Why were you rejected 10 times if you were this talented?
- I know. - It just didn't work out.
I was always eliminated at the very end.
That's disappointing. Why don't they appreciate you?
- I know. - I think there's a timing for that.
Could you show us what you performed...
- last time? - I'm curious too.
We'd like to...
I know you're our senior, but we could help too.
Why do you keep ordering me to do things?
He's the upcoming Okdongja.
I'm the upcoming Okdongja.
You're good. Even his movements are funny.
- You're right. - They are.
- Can you show us? - He's just talented.
I'll show you the one I did...
- for KBS. - I'm curious.
It was sensational.
I made it to the finals with this.
I didn't show them anything else.
I think you know what this is.
What is it?
I dressed up as General Yi Sun Sin.
I also prepared a big sword.
It's nighttime in Hansan Island.
I'm carrying a big sword.
"War Diary".
Then beatboxing begins.
- Drop the beat. - Drop the beat.
(Beatboxing begins.)
Can you beatbox?
(Beatboxing)
You're definitely going to make it this time.
I thought he was playing the drums.
You should really hit the drums and the gourd.
(Make it a bit more realistic.)
- Do this, will you? - Okay.
During the Joseon Era, General Yi didn't write
In his diary for days and decided to pull an all-nighter
And finally, he's on his last page
Hey
The sun has set, and his eyelids are getting heavy
That's when he says this
(He has no idea what's happening behind him.)
"I'm getting sleepy. I should write it later."
"War Diary".
(You can try again next time.)
There's also this.
What is that?
Jun Ji Hyun...
and Lee Jung Jae starred in this movie called "Il Mare".
- I know that. - It was an emotional movie.
Spray some water on my back.
- I've lifted your shirt. - Okay. Now, do it.
Here I go.
Gosh, "Il Mare".
"Il Mare".
This is what I did,
and I was eliminated.
(He's disqualified.)
You've been auditioning more than 10 times.
Let's say you get in.
What do you plan to do as a comedian?
The environment in which I grew up in...
wasn't all that happy.
But at school, I was known as the cheerful kid.
I didn't want anyone to notice.
I didn't want anyone to know that my mom wasn't living with me.
So I tried to think positively at all times...
and tried to do things that others didn't do to make them laugh.
It was insane.
All the students were dying to meet me.
There was one part that made me sad.
- In order to hide your sadness, - Right.
- you pursued happiness. - Right.
That's life.
Ms. Crab, what kind of comedienne...
would you like to become?
Me? I...
What kind of comedienne do I want to become?
I want to enjoy what I do...
and also make others happy while doing it.
I want to work like that for a long time.
That's the ultimate goal.
To be able to enjoy...
what you're doing and also make others happy while doing it.
(Should we do things that we like or are good at?)
(That's a question we'd like to ask Santa.)
How did you first become a comedian?
Was it through open recruitment?
In 1999,
Kim Byung Man and I auditioned for a movie called "Last Present".
The role was that of a comedian.
He auditioned as a team, but only he was chosen.
It was the same thing for me.
Our senior suggested...
that we come up with something together...
since we had similar physiques.
Does that mean you two didn't know each other before then?
No, because...
Lee Jung Jae's role was a comedian.
We had to participate in a comedy gig.
- We needed our own segment. - Right.
So Byung Man and I came up with something.
That segment became a hit.
Then the writer for "Gag Concert" saw it...
and invited us over.
After that, we auditioned for "Gag Concert".
The director for that show saw it and found it amusing.
So we recorded it right away.
- That's not easy to do. - That's how it all began.
- That's how it began. - Then you became successful?
Not at all. It was even harder from then on.
We performed on "Gag Concert" for a year and then went...
to open recruitment.
And I was eliminated.
- While on that show? - Yes.
I've been doing it for a year,
- so I thought I'd get in. - Right.
Back then, they broadcast everything.
Byung Man's family came all the way to Seoul.
They carried placards...
because they pretty much assumed that we had become comedians...
- since we did it for a year. - Right.
The night before, he and I were elated...
that we made it.
- You were already on TV. - Really.
We thought we had finally made it.
We were so shocked that we didn't pass.
After it was over,
Byung Man and I parted.
We were both crying.
That's heartbreaking.
That must've broken your heart...
more than any other time.
I told Byung Man...
that I'll go back to the training center,
- Recreational... - and focus on my old career.
I said good luck, and Byung Man started yelling at me.
"How could you leave me?"
Byung Man tried hard...
and became a comedian the next year.
But I didn't want it.
So I kept working as a recreational instruction in the mountain.
One day, Byung Man told me,
"Come Back, Su Geun. I'm a comedian now."
"If you join, we can work together."
He kept visiting me and worked on his segment.
He came to work on his segment with me.
That's how "Master" was created.
(That's how "Master" was created.)
That's how we came up with it.
I told Byung Man to perform in front of students...
as a test.
"The master of janggu, Kim Byung Man is here."
He put the janggu on the floor, and as he sat, janggu rolled.
He tried to sit again, and it kept rolling.
- He's very good at acting. - Yes.
He left without playing janngu at the end.
Right. That's what that segment was about.
Working on his segment...
motivated me a lot.
I was persuaded.
"Is this really my path?"
I thought I should try again...
since he kept persuading me.
I took off at night.
(He went back to "Gag Concert".)
I was on "Gag Concert" for two years,
then KBS called me.
People who told me to have the exam said,
"You've been doing this for two years. You're not a rookie."
"What's the point of trying out for the exam?"
For the first time,
KBS acknowledged me,
and I became an official comedian.
I became their official employee.
- At the time... - So, after you,
- special comedians... - I loosened it for others.
After I became the first special comedian,
many other comedians got to work...
as official comedians.
Did you get to have that privilege?
No, she took the official exam.
No, I took the exam.
But my friend Song Joon Geun...
was working hard in "Gag Concert".
And Kim Won Hyo as well.
After he opened a nice way for us,
- they became official. - As long as...
you have the talent,
- You're acknowledged. - KBS acknowledges you...
without taking the exam.
Then "Gag Concert" became more diverse.
- Right. - Many talented people joined.
It became sensational.
- Right. - Yes.
I heard...
you came up with a lot of ideas.
- Oh, I did. - You made a lot of segments.
Sure.
Even though it was your idea,
you didn't play the major roles.
- You only played the minor roles. - I did.
When that happened,
didn't you ask them to give you the major role?
- Or wasn't there tension? - It took me a long time.
Even though I came up with a segment,
"Su Geun."
"You should play this part instead."
- "Give the major part..." - To someone else?
"to someone else to make it funnier."
I accepted it.
So I often played assistant roles.
Yet,
- I still had the thirst for it. - Of course.
But the fact I get to be on a segment made me happy.
Actually, that became my character for a while.
When senior comedians were making segments,
they asked me to play the assistant part.
(People looked for him.)
They asked me to do that.
I think that helped me...
work without a break.
As you know,
we say we come up with a segment.
That's pretty much making a 5 to 7-minute-play.
- Yes. - But...
that can't be aired right away.
- That's right. - Because...
the time is limited,
but we're getting more and more comedians.
- We're getting more. - Everyone wants to be on TV.
So you probably had...
time to verify it.
That'd be Galgalri Family in Daehangno...
- in the early 2000. - Right.
As she said before,
she performed in the small theater to verify her idea.
I always came up with the idea in the small theater.
I performed to verify my ideas...
before going on air.
(Daehangno, Dongsung-dong, Jongro-gu)
How long has it been since the last time you were here?
I...
- don't even remember. - That long?
Yes, it's been too long.
It wasn't...
paved before, right?
- There was... - There was a theater.
an empty space.
In 1995, my university club...
performed "Top Gag" for the first time.
"Gag Concert" first started...
in 1999.
It turns out...
I performed here in 1995...
with the title "Gag Concert".
It was a street performance?
Yes. It was a street performance.
It's been a long time.
One time, it was late at night.
I was going to sleep in the concert hall,
but the door was locked.
It was our promise to keep it open at all times.
The theater manager didn't answer the phone either.
If you keep walking that way...
- There are benches. - That's where I slept.
I remember sleeping there once.
It wasn't winter.
- I think it was early fall. - Early fall.
- It's still cold. - At the time, newspaper...
Have you ever used the newspaper as a blanket?
No.
It's very warm. It keeps you very warm.
Sports newspaper is the best.
Because it's color, it's thicker.
That tiny amount of ink makes the difference?
Do you want to sleep here for 30 minutes?
No.
Now, you're a trend in variety shows.
Come on. I'm too old...
to be a trend.
But...
People say...
your appearance determines...
the quality of the show.
I wouldn't say quality,
- but how hilarious it is. - Of course.
So, you're now the trend in variety shows.
But when you were performing in Daehangno,
you were obscure. It must've been hard to make a living.
It was hard. It was very hard.
Actually, I stopped here...
because this is where...
many comedians...
laughed and cried.
Here? Why?
The name of the hall is changed. It's Lease now.
It's Lease Hall now.
- Oh, here? - It says lease now.
What happened here? Dong Wook.
This used to be Galgalri Hall.
Right. Galgalri Hall.
Hundreds of people lined up here for the performance.
The line went around.
This was the entrance to Galgalri Hall.
It was here. It's for lease now.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Yes. - Hello.
Can you jump from there?
It was here.
It's locked now.
It's sad. This is sad.
(Some people grew their dreams here.)
(And some people cheered for them.)
(Basement for lease)
(And the memory is locked behind the iron gate.)
This is the door to Galgalri Hall.
It's here.
(For lease)
It used to be one impressive area.
But it's closed now.
(Mixed feelings)
You must feel bitter.
I feel like my memory is gone.
I feel bitter...
about my nostalgic places disappearing over time.
Also, this place...
is nostalgic for many comedians...
- who used to laugh and cry here. - Right.
Before you know it, comedy halls are disappearing...
one by one in Daehangno.
I think that means people are not...
interested in comedy anymore.
I think that's a shame.
I feel that is a shame too.
I love comedy, and I know a lot of comedians.
Well,
you might find this question troubling.
It's fine.
The question of demand and supply...
may be seen as the question of which comes first between...
- the chicken and egg. - Right.
You may think...
the theaters are closing...
because people aren't interested in comedy anymore,
- but on the other hand, - Right.
people aren't interested...
- Right. - because it's not...
that funny anymore.
You're very accurate.
You're right about...
people not coming...
because it's not that funny anymore.
I was only suggesting the idea.
That is natural.
I find it a shame.
New comedians are found...
in comedy theaters.
- Right. - This is where they can...
pursue their dreams.
But these places are difficult to find these days.
It's unfortunate.
Which segment did you perform here?
I did many. The most memorable one...
- would be "Impossible High Notes". - I see.
We didn't come up with that in one day.
Joon Hyung was preparing for the next segment,
but his partner wasn't present.
- All of a sudden? - Yes.
So we didn't know what to do.
I found a long coat,
so I wore it. If I wore that, it'd look similar.
I also wore a wig.
Back then, I'd sing at event openings...
to gather attention.
I sang too much that my voice became hoarse.
I'd sing songs like this.
I remembered the crowd bursting into laughter.
- But you just had a sore throat. - Right.
I remembered the crowd laughing, so I decided to try that out.
After getting dressed up, I got on stage.
Byun Ki Soo and Ryu Dam are good at singing,
so they joined me.
We were completely unprepared.
We asked the staff to play some music.
And the crowd went crazy.
So we did gig later in the evening as well.
- They liked it. - I was a newbie that no one knew.
But some people came just to watch that gig.
- You had your own fans. - So on the show's bulletin board,
people would ask why they didn't play the gig...
at the official "Gag Concert".
That's when we did it.
- And... - Everyone loved it.
So in confidence, I showed that segment to the director...
of "Gag Concert".
After I did it,
all the fellow comedians burst into laughter.
But the director said,
"I don't know. Isn't this a one-time thing?"
- "It's only funny this one time." - He didn't think it'd last.
"Are you guys just laughing as a fellow comedian?"
He was unsure.
I'm thankful for Park Joon Hyung.
He was the president of my agency. He had trust in me.
He knew it'd be fun.
He asked the director to trust him...
and let me perform it on stage just once.
It was probably January of 2006.
That's when the director told us to try it out.
- Could you show us? - Could you?
(Show us.)
You... Am I right?
You... That's good. Try it.
(He suddenly tells the host to try it.)
Why do you keep telling me to do things?
- I thought you wanted to talk. - You aren't more beautiful
("Reflection of You in Your Smile" by Shin Seung Hoon)
(Surprised)
For my segment...
- You're much more than that - That's it.
You can't do the segment alone.
- Right. - After he sings that line,
you can stop playing.
- Are you ready? - Yes.
We need another person.
- Okay, I'll lead. - Join us.
("Impossible High Notes" had three members.)
Harmony from above.
Perfect voices abandoned by the deity.
"Impossible High Notes" will sing...
"Reflection of You in Your Smile" by Shin Seung Hoon.
(You aren't more beautiful)
(Than a rose)
(You are more)
(Fragrant)
You are more
(Fragrant)
(They love it.)
This is it. This is it.
- Bravo. - This is it.
(They successful mimic the segment.)
Reminiscing the good, old days makes my heart thump.
I tried to make it sound funnier,
so I'd drag it on.
For example, this was how I normally sang.
But in order to sing even lower,
I need to squeeze out my voice.
I need to drag it on.
Fragrant
(It's more effective.)
Not like this but...
(He opens his eyes widely.)
Champion
- There's another tip. - Lift your head up.
You need to keep your eyes wide open.
- It's more amusing. - This is what I did.
- I see. - You're the best.
This segment is called "Impossible High Notes".
I think he did more than just lower the key.
- He's extremely intelligent. - Why?
He didn't just simply lower the key.
He played a note...
that we couldn't play.
He played a note that we couldn't play.
(He was perfectly out of tune.)
- He's a genius. - We can't play that.
He can't play it even if he wanted to.
It doesn't exist in music.
- Were you aware of this? - Of course, not.
If you learned English...
and performed this worldwide,
everyone would love it.
Now, you're on the road to success.
- From now on. - Correct.
- You've done many segments. - Right.
I can remember many of them. They all have a similarity.
Music is involved in all of them.
I think it represents you.
- Right. - That's what I think.
I enjoy incorporating music into it.
They're least likely to fail.
Even if it's boring, the audience claps.
They find it amusing.
That's how we came up with "Yayaya Brothers".
Right.
We did that. We also did "Music Drama".
We'd turn sad situations into funny ones.
May I see the guitar?
- When music starts, - Is this "Music Drama"?
- you must act. Yes, it is. - Okay.
- I came out with a guitar. - I'm doing something again?
- You must. For today... - You're Byung Man for today.
- I couldn't find a partner. - Who's the guest here?
(I can't do this on my own.)
Today's music drama is called "Father".
I should become teary-eyed when I think of him.
So why can't I help but laugh?
Father. Music start.
This is how it starts.
You're supposed to be lying down, but we can't do that here.
- I'll do this. - Do that.
- You need to act as well. - Okay.
"Dad, wake up."
"You can't die yet."
"You need to wake up". Then you say,
"I think it's my time. Live a happy life."
Then I'll play a bit quicker.
When I do this, shake his shoulders.
Then you should do this as well.
- Okay? - Hold on.
You won't be performing with us.
(You won't be performing with us.)
- You're right. - I told you.
Why did you ask for the guitar?
I'm never the star of my segments.
I play the supporting role.
Here we go.
Today's music drama is called "Father".
When thinking of my sick father,
I should become teary-eyed.
So why can't I help but laugh?
Father. Music start.
Dad, wake up.
You're making me sad.
I'm sorry, Do Yeon.
I don't have the energy anymore.
I'm sorry.
(I'll give you the energy you lack.)
I'm sorry.
(They become more upbeat.)
Father, oh, Father. Please wake up.
I can't go on any further.
- I'm really ill. - "I'm really ill."
- "Father, if you do this..." - I become too sad.
I'm really sick.
Yo, DJ. Pump this party.
I'm really sick. Yo, DJ. Pump this party.
This is how you do it.
(He gave it his all.)
- Isn't it fun? - Yes, it is.
We did this near the beginning of 2000.
It was a great idea.
It's not tacky at all...
- Right. - even now.
These days, Jae Seok is a hit as Yu San Seul.
I used to be on Gangbyeon Music Festival.
I wrote many songs. I've been writing trot songs for some time.
The theme is "rich people".
(Title: Seo Jang Hoon)
The title is "Seo Jang Hoon".
But he didn't want his name to be a part of the title.
He was okay with featuring, though.
But he said I could use his initials.
No one would find out.
I can't tell you everything...
since we're still working on it.
It'll become a huge hit.
I'll play it for Dong Wook.
- Will you play a bit? - It doesn't have a title yet.
I'll call it "Use All the Money in My Wallet".
It's a trot.
Use all the money in my wallet
Is it too high?
(Use all the money in my wallet)
(You can use both cards and cash)
(Use all the money in my wallet)
(Buy anything you need)
(Buy anything you like)
(All that I have is money and nothing else)
(So pick whatever you want)
You said you loved me
It goes something like this. We're not done with it yet.
(It sounds like a hit.)
Well, the key is too high, sir.
I wonder how you felt about it.
- I mean my song. - If you release an English version,
- you'll get seven billion fans. - Gosh.
- He seems to really like the song. - Yes.
- I thought he was an AI. - Right.
- An AI? - He keeps repeating it.
- Whatever question we throw... - Gosh.
After Lee Se Dol's episode, everyone turned into a robot.
You seem to have musical talent...
- or some desire... - Yes.
- for musical comedy. - Right.
Has it always been in your mind?
Yes, all the time.
On my days off, I usually gather with younger comedians...
and have a brainstorming session for the stage although...
- no one knows when it'll happen. - I see.
- It's different from a variety. - That's right.
A comedy show is thoroughly prepared beforehand.
The more effort you put in, the more people you can make laugh.
Because effort never betrays you.
If we prepare really hard and make it perfect,
then people will have a bigger laugh.
- You're right. - That's why...
I'm always thinking about it.
Anyway, you just...
mentioned the difference between...
- a variety show and a comedy show. - Yes.
So it must've taken some time for you to adjust.
- It was tough. - Right.
For a comedy show, you can just play by the book...
and you know the exact moment people will burst into laughter.
But a variety show is different.
When I first started out, it was quite challenging.
- I couldn't easily fit in. - I see.
In fact, that period...
was the most difficult time for me.
But eventually, Comedian Lee Su Geun came out into the world...
- with the help of Kang Ho Dong. - I see.
I've never once denied the fact.
Then you think Kang Ho Dong gave you...
- a turning point? - Yes, he gave me a turning point.
He also gave me a hard time.
When I first joined a variety show,
- I couldn't get used to it. - I see.
It felt like they were laughing among themselves.
Because I only played in well-organized shows back then,
it felt weird when they kept talking nonsense...
and laughing among themselves.
Then I found myself building a wall.
- You must've felt singled out. - I didn't laugh...
- when they were laughing. - Right.
I was the only one who wasn't laughing.
I realized later...
that I didn't even try to fit in.
At the same time, I wanted them to give me a chance.
Kang Ho Dong watched it all along.
To see how long I lasted,
- he was watching it all along. - I see.
And one day,
I had this chance to mark the climax of my variety show career.
(He finally had a chance.)
- We went to a mountain. - Right.
And he suddenly said, "Ad-Lib Genius,"
"what's persimmon in English?"
- Persimmon? - I remember that.
Then Ho Dong suddenly said,
"Ad-Lib Genius Lee Su Geun..."
"probably know what persimmon is in English."
When he asked me that, I answered it in one split second.
With the "th" sound,
I said "perthimmon".
- Since it makes your tongue numb. - Because it's too bitter?
- So I said "perthimmon". - Right.
- Then they burst into laughter. - Yes.
Right after that, he asked about mandarin.
So I said, "Sour."
- Because mandarins are sour. - Right.
That completed my joke.
I felt really great.
I even felt proud of myself at that moment.
Gosh, seriously.
I had a deep sleep that night.
(I had a sound sleep that night.)
You must've had a deep sleep.
Yes, I had a really deep sleep.
Actually, Kang Ho Dong may...
- come across as a little pushy. - Yes.
- Once you've overcome it, - Yes.
you can become a star.
If you endure it when he pushes you into the corner.
On "X-Man" and "Love Letter",
a lot of cast members became popular in that way.
He keeps giving you opportunities...
- if you're good. - Right.
He used to be like that.
Now he's a little different.
I'm the one who gives him opportunities these days.
(I'm giving him opportunities.)
Well, that's true.
- That's right. - No less.
By now, you can probably read each other's mind by looking...
- into each other's eyes, right? - That's right.
It's actually really great. I know what he thinks...
and what food he needs at a certain time.
(He's in Ho Dong's head as well as in his stomach.)
When he wants to eat ramyeon, I know how long I should cook it.
I really like him...
and respect him.
I always appreciate his energy.
Okay, well...
Now, we'll move on to "Flex Talk",
- where you can brag about yourself. - I see.
First, please listen to the keywords I give you,
- and if you feel like showing off, - Okay.
- you can flex as much as you want. - I see.
I'm sure you know what "flex" is.
- "I have a lot of money." - That's right.
- It's like bluffing, right? - Yes, it is.
(He also knows about the proper posture.)
"Father, father!"
- See? It's very addictive, right? - Yes.
When I saw you lie down, I couldn't hold it back.
- Don't do it to your father though. - Right.
All right, then we'll give you the flex keywords.
It's "Master of Slapstick"!
(Flex keyword: Master of Slapstick)
- Our band is the best. - You should have some moves.
(He can't stay still when music plays.)
- You should do it. Let's try again. - All right.
(He picked it up right away.)
Great.
This is what I'm talking about.
- I've learned a lot from you. - That's nice.
- You have a great attitude. - I've learned a lot.
- Thank you. - If a host acts this way,
- guests will feel comfortable. - I see.
- He's also a quick learner. - Right.
When people think of Lee Dong Wook, since he is a handsome actor,
they feel some distance.
But when you dance like this...
- and this... - Wait.
If you do this,
it will be really fun.
The keyword is "Master of Slapstick".
Like you said earlier,
when it comes to slapstick...
Yes, I've got to flex about this.
When you do slapstick, you can't look hurt afterward.
- This is very important. - I see.
- You can't look hurt or get hurt. - That's right.
If you look hurt, they can't laugh at you.
Let me show you an example. You've joined...
"Because I Want to Talk" today.
Sometimes, I have this thought.
When I talk to you...
Sometimes, I have this thought.
When I talk to you without a break,
from time to time,
(He looks very natural.)
- I feel like I should stop. - That was really natural.
This is how you do it.
I just thought...
- you were Kim Jung Ryul. - Well...
When you think about something,
something intangible...
- He even crossed his legs. - You should step over the edge.
Make sure to step over the edge.
(He successfully managed to flex.)
- Something like that. - You're the best for sure.
- Flex. - It's nothing big, you know.
- I'm fascinated. - It's nothing big.
- "Because I Want to Talk". - It'll be really funny.
(Slapstick ruins people like this.)
Look at him.
You're good. You absorb it like a sponge.
If you look hurt, it'll be edited out.
- That's right. - If you look hurt...
Because it might surprise viewers.
- That's the key point. - Anyway,
as we all know, Su Geun has...
- the Grade Five in Taekwondo. - Yes.
- You're very athletic. - You're great at playing Jegi...
- and soccer as well. - I do like soccer.
- You're doing a soccer show, right? - Yes, I've been working on it.
Some friends of mine are also starring...
- in that show. - That's right.
Every one of them speaks highly of your soccer skills.
Speaking of Taekwondo,
when I was at my peak,
I was afraid...
- if I might fly away while jumping. - I see.
- Because you jumped too high? - When I landed,
- I got really scared. - Right.
Because I went up too high.
People talk about this a lot.
"Lee Su Geun is a genre itself."
- Yes, they do. - And when they talk about Su Geun,
- they always mention he's a genius. - Right.
- People call you Ad-Lib Genius. - Thank you.
Such ideas just pop into your head out of the blue?
Yes, just out of the blue.
Sometimes,
I get two ideas at the same time.
- But you only have one mouth. - I know.
- Then what do you do? - Both ideas sound fun,
but I have to pick one of them.
That sometimes happens.
Then are you saying...
you have a natural gift?
Isn't it obvious?
(It's so obvious.)
(Such a natural dancer)
(You should do it too.)
- Please stop. - He's so funny.
Please stop it.
This is Because I Want to Talk.
We're with Comedian Lee Su Geun.
How's your life as a comedian?
We may come across as quite shallow.
Since our job is making people laugh,
we sometimes look quite shallow.
So when they approach us...
or give us feedback,
they write provocative comments and often treat us without respect.
Actually, we, comedians,
also have a very soft heart...
- like anybody else. - That's true.
Because we don't actually get many chances to laugh out loud,
we sometimes go through a deeper depression...
than you could ever imagine.
So I really appreciate...
my fellow comedians who stand strong...
and quietly try their best to make people laugh.
In fact, I'd never have panic attacks in my life.
But when I had a break, I was so surprised.
- I suddenly had a panic attack. - I see.
- I knew I was mentally healthier... - Right.
- and stronger than anybody. - I see.
Once I've experienced that...
You know when celebrities talk about a panic disorder on TV,
everyone seems to have it...
- like a virus. - Right.
I thought there was no such thing.
- But it does exist. I didn't know. - I see.
All the feelings that I couldn't vent...
- probably turned into a disorder. - Before you know...
I felt suffocated to the extent that I couldn't even breathe.
Now I'm all better...
- without taking any medication. - I see.
But still, I do have a lot of stress.
So I hope more people root for us comedians.
- That's my hope. - I also...
have a lot of comedian friends.
When I have a beer with them,
people don't talk to me.
However, they talk to my comedian friends...
- in a little... - People talk to them casually?
Yes, but it sometimes felt more than casual...
even in my eyes.
People can be quite rude.
- It's too... - I know what you mean.
Whenever such things happened,
I felt really upset and mad beside them.
I know they're trying to be friendly,
but there's a fine line between being friendly and being rude.
- Thank you for your kind words. - I hope people treat them...
- more warmly. - On a side note,
when I was in a bar, a middle-aged man threw his car key at me...
and told me to drive to Ilsan.
He told you to drive?
Since I was in the chauffeur service ad.
So I asked for 1,000 dollars.
- He said, "It's too expensive!" - He's very rude.
I was willing to do that for 1,000 dollars.
- I know you're a man of your word. - I mean...
- I've learned how to say no... - Yes.
- in the most inoffensive way. - That's right.
- Without offending anybody, - Right.
we can have a laugh together.
That's right. You're amazing.
Making people laugh might look like...
the easiest job in the world in a way.
But it can also be the hardest job.
- It's hard for sure. - Among what Su Geun told me,
there's something I've kept in my mind.
"There are a lot of ways to hurt other people's feelings."
"However, there are only a few ways to make people laugh."
- That's right. - It's hard.
- Do you remember that? - After you said that,
I kept reminding myself with your words...
and thought, "Maybe what I'm doing right now..."
- You're doing something amazing. - Yes, I thought,
"I should have pride in my job."
Gosh, I have no memory of saying that.
That's really disappointing.
- You did say that. - Anyway, that's true.
There are a million ways to hurt...
- other people's feelings. - That's right.
However, there are only a few ways to make people laugh.
What we're doing is trying those few ways.
So if you could give us some support,
- Right. - I would really appreciate it...
and work even harder.
I've been thinking for a few days...
about how to deliver this question.
I wasn't sure if it'd be appropriate.
- You were unsure? - Yes.
If it took you three days, you'd better not ask that question.
Everyone told me the same thing.
"If you're unsure about something, just don't do it."
Since you mulled it over for a few days,
- let's hear it. - All right.
When people think of Lee Su Geun,
they often describe him as "the most glorious number two".
What do you think about the label "number two" following you around?
After many thoughts and hesitations,
I'm finally asking you this with a little bit of envy.
First of all, the fact that people call me "number two"...
is very flattering itself.
Because that means people acknowledge me at least.
Actually, it's been always like that.
When I worked with Byung Man, I was happier when he was funnier than me.
When someone next to me did something...
and that made people laugh, I couldn't be happier.
So I always, although I've never...
considered myself as number two,
if you call that number 2, I'm number 2.
And if you call that number 3, I'm number 3.
It depends on how I see it, but I haven't really thought about that.
I'm still thinking the same.
Like Yu Jae Seok and Kang Ho Dong that we always mention,
I wanted to become a wonderful emcee and earn such a great title...
- like anybody else. - I see.
But I came to realize that was pointless.
Because everyone has their own role.
That enlightened me.
- Because everyone is given a role. - Yes, everyone has a role.
Some people are just destined to become a national MC.
What we can do is to play our role as best as we can.
And if it's just between us,
you may become number one.
- Exactly. - Or number two.
If you go somewhere else, you may become number 4, 5, or 6.
You may even become an egg yolk or egg white.
You can become everything.
- He's an ad-lib genius. - He's a genius at ad-libbing.
- He's flexing. - Right.
So here's what I think.
Who could possibly define you as number two...
or number one?
- No one has the right. - That's right.
I hope people remember me as Lee Dong Wook.
- Yes, that's what I'm saying. - I see.
I'd like to be remembered as the comedian Lee Su Geun.
The fact that you labeled me as number two is very thankful.
But I don't want any labels.
I just appreciate what I have now.
I'm always thankful that I can work in front of the camera.
- I got a new habit. - What is it?
Before going to bed, I look back on my day.
To chew over what happened today and see if I said something wrong.
If I did, I call them right away...
and apologize quickly.
I've been through quite a lot, even for a life lesson.
I think all those experiences...
became a bitter pill in my life.
I talk about this all the time...
- when I'm with comedian colleagues. - I see.
Even if we have a drink or two, we go to a quiet place...
and have a little chat, then go home early...
- for the next day. - Right.
I try to encourage them in that direction.
I don't know why I was worried about it for a few days.
Thanks for the great answer to my silly question.
Gosh, thank you for your kind words.
Actually, I really like what you said earlier.
Although we laughed it off,
- the egg yolk is also... - Right.
- a very essential core part. - Of course.
- It's the core. - At times,
- you may become the egg white. - Right.
- It's rich in protein. - You can change back and forth.
That's the role of each person.
- You're right. - That's right.
Here's what I really like.
These days, before we start to film a show,
we're given guidance about our roles...
by writers or producers.
- Whether you're a yolk or white? - Yes.
- "Today, you're a raw egg." - "You're a soft-boiled egg."
- Something like this. - "You're a poached egg."
Now that I got used...
to communicating with them about those kinds of roles,
when they tell me about my role, I accept it first...
and think about how to play it well.
After I started to accept that...
Before when I was a little cocky and snobbish,
everything they said sounded like nagging.
So I just said, "I can take care of it myself."
Now I'm a totally different person.
I wasn't a bad person. I just got lost for a while.
Judging from what you've said,
I can see you're already quite content with yourself...
and know how valuable each role you're given.
- Thank you for saying that. - And that makes who you are.
- I said you look bigger and bigger. - Yes.
Now you look really big.
Would you like to take another look?
Why are you still sitting down?
(I raised a tiger cub in my nest.)
- What a great timing. - Please have a seat.
That was great.
I wonder what dreams you have.
The dream I'd like to achieve in the future is...
I think my dream has always been the same.
I haven't yet made the whole country laugh.
To make the whole country laugh,
- I still have... - The whole country?
If you're saying you haven't...
- made the whole country laugh... - Well, yes.
When I go out, people still say, "Is he Kim Byung Man?"
- I still get that a lot. - I see.
So I think I still need...
to try harder.
A lot of singers including idols...
- work overseas, which is cool. - Right.
But I'd like to work within the country...
since I haven't made the whole country laugh yet.
The areas I've reached so far...
- include Gyeonggi Province... - How about Seoul Metropolitan Area?
- and around Cheonan. - Around Cheonan?
To reach Gyeongsang Province and Jeolla Province ...
- What about Gangwon Province? - Gangwon Province...
- already had a laugh. - You should go there.
- Already? - Yes, with their dialect.
- I see. - "Have you tried some potatoes?"
With this kind of joke, they had a good laugh.
- I've got Gangwon Province covered. - Right.
- What about Jeju Island? - I need to visit there.
- I have a lot of places to visit. - It's quite far.
- There's a long way to go. - I always try hard...
- to show a different side of me. - Right.
- And I want you to know that... - I see.
I still have a lot to offer.
I want to be a pleasant guy when they think about me.
- A pleasant and funny guy. - I see.
I hope people remember me like that.
That's my dream.
- To make the country laugh more? - Yes.
That's an amazing dream.
We've shared many stories about laughter today.
I heard humans the only species that can laugh.
That's such a priceless blessing.
I hope you laugh a lot...
and always feel happy and joyful.
This was Comedian Lee Su Geun.
(Unstoppable Comedian Lee Su Geun, we'll be cheering for you.)
Let's hold hands.
Thank you.
(After commercials, a credit cookie will follow.)
Merry Christmas!
Thank you.
(Looking back on the year of 2019)
(Meeting up with old classmates in a long time)
(2019 Year-End School Reunion)
Gosh, it's so good to see you all.
- Good to see you, Su Geun. - How have you been?
- I heard you became a comedian. - I know.
- I think you're hilarious. - Do you want to see some dance?
(His specialty: he always gives it his all.)
- I think he's losing it. - He's on fire.
- It's been long, so it's on me. - That sounds great.
- Shall we go and eat? - You're so cool.
- So great to see you all. - Great to see you too.
- Let's go! - Let's go!
- If, if, if, if - If, if, if, if
- I, I, I, I - I, I, I, I
- If I were tall, if I were tall - If I were tall, if I were tall
- If I were tall - If I were tall
(Because I Want to Talk)