Longest-Running Sketch Comedy Returns to Airwaves with New Cast Members

Courtesy of KBS

After a three-year hiatus, South Korea's enduring comedy show "Gag Concert," once the nation's longest-running sketch comedy on KBS, is set to reclaim its spot on television screens this November.

The program, which enjoyed a 21-year run before its suspension in 2020 due to dwindling ratings, is making a comeback in response to evolving entertainment trends. The proliferation of social streaming platforms providing instant access to uncensored comedic content contributed to the show's previous decline.

Resuming its broadcast on November 5th, "Gag Concert" will once again grace KBS every Sunday night at 10:25 p.m. (KST). While maintaining its beloved format, the show will introduce a fresh ensemble of cast members. As a prelude to its television return, the new cast will take the stage at the 11th Busan International Comedy Festival (BICF), scheduled to run from August 25th to September 3rd.

Esteemed comedians have embraced the revival news, expressing enthusiasm for the revitalization of the show's legacy. "The broadcaster's decision to revive the show is exhilarating. I hope it offers a platform for emerging talent and catalyzes a resurgence in comedy," remarked comedian Kim Dae-hee during a recent press conference for BICF.

Comedian Song Jun-geun emphasized the distinctive allure of "Gag Concert," acknowledging that the revived show might convey fresh perspectives, yet aspiring to retain the inherent entertainment value of its past. Song highlighted the changing comedic landscape, where smartphone users increasingly consume humor videos, and expressed hope that the new show might foster the familial unity witnessed in previous eras.

Over the years, "Gag Concert" has propelled numerous comedians to stardom, including Kim Jun-ho, Kim Byung-man, Lee Su-geun, and Kim Jun-hyun. Premiering in 1999, the show's blend of slapstick and prop comedy skits propelled its popularity, reaching a peak viewership of 28.9 percent in 2003 and consistently maintaining around 20 percent until the early 2010s. However, shifting entertainment dynamics led to a decline, with recent viewership averaging between 5 to 6 percent.

Concurrently, another longstanding comedy show, "Comedy Big League," will embark on an indefinite hiatus following its final episode on September 13th. In response to changing trends and a need for innovative comedy formats, tvN announced the show's pause, marking a reflective moment in the evolution of Korea's comedic landscape.

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