Tribute to the late Jeon Yu-seong → 'Expectant Father' Kim Jun-ho's remarks... The 14th 'Bucope' kicks off with laughter and emotion [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Asia's largest comedy festival, the '14th Busan International Comedy Festival' (BICF, hereinafter 'Bucope'), has opened. The night in Busan was filled with laughter sparked by 'expectant father' Kim Jun-ho's cheerful remarks and the witty stages of comedians, as well as deep emotion conveyed through a meaningful tribute to the late Jeon Yu-seong and the first-ever Jeon Yu-seong Award ceremony.

The opening ceremony of 'Bucope' took place on the 21st at the Auditorium in BEXCO, Haeundae-gu, Busan. Comedian and broadcaster Ji Seok-jin served as MC.

Marking its 14th year, 'Bucope' is Asia's first and largest international comedy festival. With 'The Return of Legends' as its key theme, this year's 'Bucope' opens the festival with a variety of attractions spanning generations and genres, including meaningful moments revisiting the history of Korean comedy, unique performances by domestic and foreign comedians, and a celebratory concert by the trending band QWER.

Kim Jun-ho, executive chairman of 'Bucope', appeared at the blue carpet event held before the opening ceremony today.

With his wife Kim Jimin recently announcing her pregnancy, Kim Jun-ho greeted attendees by saying, "I am Kim Jun-ho, who became a real father after being known as the 'father of comedians' or 'Gaebeoji'."

Kim Jun-ho revealed that he is 52 years old this year and joked, "I'll be using a cane at my baby's sports day," drawing laughter. Upon hearing this, blue carpet MC Yang Sang-guk quipped, "(Your son) will be in college when you're 72," teasing Kim Jun-ho.

Following Kim Jun-ho's opening declaration, the formal ceremony began, and MC Ji Seok-jin took the stage. Ji Seok-jin revealed Yang Sang-guk's mistake, saying, "I was supposed to come out after my name was announced, but since it wasn't mentioned, I just came out like this."

Ji Seok-jin said, "'Bucope' has already reached its 14th year. While many have worked hard, I want to express respect to Kim Jun-ho and Kim Dae-hee. I also thank the citizens of Busan who came here today. I extend my gratitude to the city of Busan as well. Regardless of political affiliation, please give a big round of applause."

During today's opening performance, a meaningful moment was prepared to honor the late Jeon Yu-seong, a towering figure in South Korea's comedy world.

Mentioning Jeon Yu-seong, who passed away on September 25 last year, Ji Seok-jin said, "I cannot help but express my gratitude to him. Time has flown so quickly. It has already been one year since Master Jeon Yu-seong left our side."

Following this, a tribute video was shown, reflecting on Jeon Yu-seong's legacy in the South Korean comedy scene and his passion for comedy. The video included footage of Jeon from his childhood through his performances on stage.

Ji Seok-jin shared, "I miss him. It's sad that he is not here with us today. It's also regrettable that it has already been a year since he passed."

Ji Seok-jin announced that he prepared the Jeon Yu-seong Award at this year's 'Bucope' to honor the late Jeon Yu-seong's wishes. He explained, "It is an award given to someone who has contributed to the growth of South Korea's comedy industry."

Lee Hong-ryul appeared as the presenter. Lee said, "This is the first year the Jeon Yu-seong Award has been established, and I am honored to be the first recipient. I sincerely hope that Senior's laughter continues through this award for a long time."

The winner of the 14th Bucope Jeon Yu-seong Award for this year was Park Jun-hyung. Upon stepping onto the stage to receive the award, Park said, "When they told me I was selected as the first recipient of this award, I actually felt a mix of emotions—both grateful and wondering if I deserved it."

Park Jun-hyung stated, "I am truly happy to be the first 'JeonYoo Seong-sang-ui (수상)' and often think of my senior. I wondered what Senior Jeon Yu-seong might have said if he were still alive. He probably would have joked, 'Why didn't you create this while I was still here?' Receiving such a prestigious award is truly an honor. I am very grateful to stand on the 'Bucope' stage, receive this award, and have the opportunity to share comedy with everyone and laugh together."

The band QWER took the stage for the opening ceremony's celebratory performance, heating up the atmosphere of 'Bucope'.

Meanwhile, approximately 1,800 audience members attended the opening ceremony. The 14th 'Bucope' will feature comedy performances by 52 teams from 10 countries across Busan for ten days, starting from the opening ceremony and running until the 30th.

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*This content was translated by AI.