Remembering Comedian Jang Doo-seok on His First Anniversary

Jang Doo-seok (장두석), a beloved South Korean comedian, passed away on July 22, 2024, marking the first anniversary of his death today, July 22, 2025. His passing was briefly reported in a dry article on July 23, 2024, overshadowed by the news of fellow entertainer Kim Min-ki's death, which was announced a day later.

Jang was more aptly described as a 'gagman' rather than a 'comedian,' distinguishing himself from earlier comedians like Seo Young-chun, Gu Bong-seo, Bae Sam-ryong, and Kwak Gyu-seok, who were active in the 1960s and 1970s. The term 'gagman' became popular in the 1980s to refer to a new generation of comedians who focused on verbal humor rather than physical comedy. Although the term 'comedian' has regained popularity, Jang's legacy remains evident in shows like 'Gag Concert' (개그 콘서트).

Often referred to as the 'big brother' of gagmen, Jang was among the first to use the term 'gagman' in the industry, alongside first-generation figures like Ko Young-soo and Kim Byeong-jo. He was a leading figure of the second generation of gagmen in the 1980s, paving the way for a new era in comedy.

Jang made his debut in 1980 through the second Gag Contest held by TBC, where he won a silver medal alongside Kim Hyung-gon. His career flourished from his debut until the early 1990s, during which he appeared in nine commercials and released two music albums.

He was known for creating numerous catchphrases, including the popular line 'It's so expensive!' (워낙~ 비싸요) with Kim Hyung-gon. His segment 'Alba Encyclopedia' (아르바이트 백과) with Kim Jung-sik featured the catchy phrase 'Ah, ah, ah, today is an alba~ 00, right?' Additionally, his collaboration with Lee Bong-won in 'Sikermans' (시커먼스) utilized rhythmic repetition to engrain phrases like 'Si, si, si, si, ke, ke, ke, ke, Sikermans, Sikermans' in the audience's minds.

One of his most famous songs, 'Excuse Me Song' (실례송), from his role as the 'Fan Master' (부채도사), became a cultural phenomenon, with lyrics that everyone recognized: 'Excuse me, excuse me, do you have many Fan Masters who peek in?'

Jang's influence continued as younger comedians often remade his shows. For instance, Lee Soo-geun's 'If I Were Taller' (키컸으면) borrowed from 'Sikermans,' repeating the phrase 'Ki, ki, ki, ki, ke, ke, ke, ke, if I were taller, if I were taller.' Similarly, Kang Ho-dong's 'Muripak Dosa' (무릎팍 도사) was inspired by the 'Fan Master' concept.

After the mid-1990s, Jang's television appearances dwindled, and he became less visible. He later turned his focus to meditation, as highlighted in a March 15, 2003, interview with the Chosun Ilbo, titled 'Fan Master Jang Doo-seok Becomes a True Meditation Evangelist.' In the accompanying photo, he appeared with long hair tied back and a long beard, resembling a true sage. He mentioned practicing vegetarianism for ten years and described himself as 'just a meditator seeking himself.'

When asked why he chose meditation, Jang explained, 'I wanted to rest. Every day felt like a war. The pressure to make people laugh led me to drink and smoke excessively. The loneliness I felt after shows was also difficult. My body and mind were gradually deteriorating.'

Now, having found peace in eternal rest, we hope that Jang's body and mind are at ease.