Remembering Popeye's Spinach Operation: A Look Back at 1980's Humor

Do you recall 'Popeye's Spinach Operation' (뽀빠이 아저씨 시금치 대작전), published in 1980? On December 5, the day after martial law was lifted, the beloved entertainer Lee Sang-yong, known as 'Popeye,' greeted me with a cheerful, "Hey! You must have worked hard on this!" at the National Museum of Korean History in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Although I had never met him before, he immediately recognized our generational connection, which made me feel a sense of warmth and familiarity.

That day marked the opening of a special exhibition titled 'My Treasures, Our Modern History,' based on a series of articles published in the Chosun Ilbo from April 2023 for a year and a half. The exhibition showcased personal artifacts from 60 notable figures, including Popeye himself. Despite many celebrities canceling their attendance due to the tense political climate, Popeye appeared without hesitation. Upon seeing the military uniform he wore while hosting 'Stage of Friendship,' he exclaimed, "Oh, how disgusting! I wore that for nearly ten years!"

However, I was saddened by Popeye's appearance. Once known for his sturdy build, he now seemed frail, with a darkened face that made me question if he was indeed the same Popeye I remembered. Time had not spared him, yet he still traveled the country giving his 'laugh-out-loud lectures' and handed me his business card.

Since the 1990s, Popeye had entertained many with his cassette tape series 'Laugh Train,' aimed at adults. However, he had also published a children's humor book, which was his only one, titled 'Popeye's Spinach Operation' (뽀빠이 아저씨 시금치 대작전), released on December 23, 1980, with illustrations by cartoonist Park Soo-dong. This book had once brought laughter to many children, including myself.

Unfortunately, 'Popeye's Spinach Operation' has long been out of print and is difficult to find in libraries. It is not available in the National Assembly Library or any of the 22 libraries under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, with only one copy existing at the National Library of Korea, which cannot be borrowed.

I managed to acquire a copy after much effort, though its cover is in poor condition, reflecting its age. The content of the book was indeed humorous for its time, featuring themes of beggars and thieves that mirrored the societal issues of the era. It is evident that Popeye dedicated significant effort to researching and crafting his humor.

As a college student, I once pondered whether some of his jokes, particularly those about historical figures like Mao Zedong, were too derogatory. It’s remarkable that such humor was possible during those tense times.

One joke that often comes to mind is about foreigners struggling with the Korean language. At the time, it seemed absurd, but now it reflects reality, as many people worldwide are learning Korean to enjoy K-pop and K-dramas. This humor was indeed ahead of its time.

Sadly, Lee Sang-yong, known as Popeye, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 81 on May 9. Hearing the news brought a deep sigh; another era has come to an end. As we move into a new age, it may not be as bright, and we might find ourselves reminiscing about the past with a sense of nostalgia, smiling at the humor he left behind.