"Unpopular frame, how do you keep going?" The miracle of the red light… Good job, Lee Guk-ju [Star On-Site]

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• Lee Guk-ju successfully completes stand-up comedy show marking 20th anniversary of debut

"Good job, Lee Guk-ju"

Comedian Lee Guk-ju (40) made audiences laugh and cry with a heartfelt comedy show packed with 20 years of experience.

Lee Guk-ju met with audiences on the 24th at 5 p.m. at the CG Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for her debut stand-up comedy show, "Janchi Gukju." This was her first solo stage in 10 years since "Goksuda" in 2016, and it carried meaningful significance as a celebration of her 20th anniversary, filled with a rich program.

In fact, the performance, which had a scheduled runtime of 100 minutes, lasted for 170 minutes, finally ending at 7:50 p.m.

Lee Guk-ju delivered a true "comprehensive gift set" that made the ticket price worth it. She started with intensity. Appearing in a dazzling sequined dress reportedly made by the team that produced stage costumes for the group TWICE, she opened the show with dynamic dancing.

Lee Guk-ju even performed a cover dance to ATEEZ's "BAD," fully unleashing her charisma. Soon after picking up the microphone, she said, "While preparing for this performance, I looked through talk concert videos and found that it all depends on you, the audience. Since the audience is the main character, let's loosen up," warming up the atmosphere with her characteristic banter.

In particular, Lee Guk-ju approached the audience with a sincere attitude that day, forming a unique bond. She confessed how earnest she was about "Janchi Gukju" by saying, "This performance was really difficult. I worried a lot about whether you might find my jokes boring. And I thought, 'Should I only provide real laughter? There must be people who want healing.'"

Ultimately, she managed to catch both rabbits: the notoriously difficult combination of humor and moving emotion. Lee Guk-ju said, "These days, not just celebrities, but even non-celebrities—there is no one who doesn't get cursed at. It's a world where you get cursed at just by turning on your smartphone." She continued, "During the difficult times when I was trapped in an 'unpopular frame,' I wanted to hear just one phrase: 'Good job' or 'You worked hard.' But back then, because I had built up something over time, I often heard 'Hold on, fighting.' At that moment, my heart was thinking, 'How do I keep going from here?' Around that time, I appeared on 'Healing Camp,' and MC Kim Je-dong asked me what words I most wanted to hear. When I said 'Good job,' the audience all shouted those words together with me. That became a great comfort for me. So I want to tell you all that it's no big deal, and say 'Good job' to you."

Lee Guk-ju also shared a deep story that evoked emotion, saying, "There really was a time 2 or 3 years ago when I almost put a period on everything and quit. A big red light had been on for a long time, so I moved to Tokyo. I thought I would try new challenges there. But looking back, that red light was the time that allowed me to take care of myself. It was a rest that enabled me to move forward when the green light came on. That is why I am able to do this 20th anniversary performance."

She then added, "In that way, this 20th anniversary performance became not an ending, but a concert of beginnings. Don't be upset; if you take care of yourself, it will pass quickly. It's no big deal," instilling positive energy.

The character of Lee Guk-ju, a comedian who exudes "human warmth," was also proven by those seated in the audience. Friends of her pet dog Bobby, including Huchu's mother, the mother and daughter from her nail salon, and people from her former agency FNC Entertainment, among others, all showed up, even acquaintances of acquaintances, offering a glimpse into the successful life of "human" Lee Guk-ju.

The celebration stage also boasted a fresh lineup. Singer Im Han-byul, FTIsland vocalist Lee Hong-gi, and actor Choi Jin-hyuk presented passionate celebratory stages with outstanding vocal skills. Not only Lee Hong-gi and Choi Jin-hyuk, but also actor Yoon Hyun-min, model and broadcaster Song Hae-na, and Shim Jin-hwa kept their seats in the audience for a long time, making one feel the strong loyalty they shared with Lee Guk-ju. Shim Jin-hwa said, "I was so proud that I cried," sending unwavering support and applause for Lee Guk-ju's leap forward. Thus, "Janchi Gukju" concluded as a fruit that fully proved the true worth of the comedian Lee Guk-ju in many ways.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original