[Kang Il-hong's Special Video Interview] Park Jun-hyung, the 'Galgali' and the 'Oldest Brother' of 'Gag Concert,' and His Formula for Laughter

From skits to stand-up, a bridge for Korean comedyFrom a cheerful married life to behind-the-scenes stories of leaving a radio DJ gigComedian Park Joon-hyung is a key figure who led the 'Gag Concert' era, taking the baton from the seniors of the 70s and 80s. As the era of traditional comedy in the 1990s waned and variety shows rose to prominence, he reached the top solely through the power of public comedy. / Reporter Lee Na-rae[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] Comedian Park Joon-hyung is a central figure who led an era of Korean comedy and a pioneer who changed the formula of laughter on stage.He was the leader who spearheaded the golden age of 'Gag Concert' and the leader of the 'Galgali Family,' a symbolic figure who won the Grand Prize for Entertainment solely through his program activities.As the era of traditional comedy in the 1990s waned and variety shows rose to prominence, he reached the top solely through the power of public comedy. This achievement is even more special given that it was accomplished during a period of upheaval where the stage and methods of creating laughter were changing.His challenges did not stop at the broadcast stage. He established the 'Galgali Hall' in Daehangno, tested and refined new gags in front of audiences, and built a system to bring gags and segments that were proven to be funny to broadcast.Rookie comedians honed their skills through the cold and honest reactions of the audience, and this stage became a cradle that produced countless star comedians. His experience in all of the major terrestrial broadcasting stations' representative comedy programs, as well as tvN's 'Comedy Big League,' also demonstrates his extensive activities.He returned to his alma mater for the 1000th episode special of 'Gag Concert' in 2019, and showcased another charm through JTBC's 'Can't Be the No. 1' in 2020. And now, as the most senior comedian on 'Gag Concert,' he is still breathing passionately with his juniors.From a protagonist of an era to a pillar of support for juniors, and still a current performer contemplating laughter, Park Joon-hyung, who has gone through the rise and fall of Korean comedy with his whole being, was invited to [Kang Il-hong's Special Video Interview] to hear firsthand what the secret to his prime was and what should be protected on today's comedy stage.+The full interview can be found in the video interview.- What are your feelings about performing on stage with your juniors again after 'Gag Concert' returned?"I am truly grateful and happy just to be able to be on stage with my juniors on 'Gag Concert.' In the past, I felt sorry seeing even really funny seniors not getting opportunities, but now I understand how they felt. Having a stage where we can make people laugh for a long time is a precious thing."- 'Gag Concert' is receiving a lot of love on YouTube. How do you view the changing comedy environment?"Nowadays, we can check public reactions not only through ratings but also through YouTube views. It's truly joyful that 'Gag Concert' is getting many views and is loved. We are also working more happily because comedy can create new revenue and opportunities beyond broadcast."- As a senior with extensive experience, what advice would you give to juniors who need to create new gags?"It is more difficult for juniors to find new material now because most of the gags from the past remain as records. They have to research and work harder because they have to be funnier than what their seniors have done to survive. The public's love doesn't come automatically. You have to put in the effort first, even if luck follows later."- You've said you dreamed of being a comedian since you were young. What led you to choose this path?"I dreamed of becoming a comedian since the 6th grade of elementary school. In middle school, I even told my friends I would become a comedian and to keep my autograph. I nurtured my dream by enjoying comedy programs from a young age, and after challenging a comedy contest during my college years, I debuted as a KBS comedian in 1996."- What do you think are the differences between past skit comedies and 'Gag Concert,' which is performed in front of an audience?"Skits can create various scenes through filming and editing, but public comedy requires direct interaction with the audience in the same space. It's a method where you laugh when the audience laughs, and you immediately receive their reaction if they don't. I believe the audience's participation and immediate feedback are important characteristics of 'Gag Concert.'"- You received the Grand Prize during a time when variety shows were dominant. How do you remember that award?"I don't think the Grand Prize was achieved solely through my personal ability. At that time, the 'Galgali' team, which was performing in Daehangno, filled the void left by seniors who moved to other broadcasting stations, and the team's performance was also significant. I met good colleagues at a good time. So, I was lucky, and I consider it an award for which I am grateful to everyone."- Why did you establish 'Galgali Hall' in Daehangno and continue performing there, not just focusing on broadcast activities?"When I went to see a performance in Daehangno with my senior Park Seung-dae, I felt that performing live on stage was so much fun. I thought I wanted to stand on that stage and make the audience laugh. When I actually performed, it had a different charm than broadcasting, and I wanted to keep performing, so I formed a team. That's how we created 'Galgali Hall' and continued our performances."Park Joon-hyung returned to his alma mater for the 1000th episode special of 'Gag Concert' in 2019, and showcased another charm through JTBC's 'Can't Be the No. 1' in 2020. And now, as the most senior comedian on 'Gag Concert,' he is still breathing passionately with his juniors. / Reporter Lee Na-rae- What role have you played while building relationships with juniors like Jung Hyung-don, Lee Soo-geun, Kim Byung-man, and Kim Hyun-sook?"While working with my juniors, I tried to help them discover their individual talents and guide them. When Jung Hyung-don asked how to become a comedian, I advised him to team up with Lee Jung-soo and try out for auditions. I also recognized Kim Hyun-sook's talent at a university event. I believe it is also a senior's role to recognize talent and provide practical guidance."- You have experience with various broadcasting stations. Are there differences in how comedy is evaluated or the atmosphere at each station?"The production environment and PD's preferences can differ by broadcasting station. However, I don't think that a gag that didn't work at one station will necessarily work at another. Moving to a different broadcasting station is fine, but you have to accept the consequences. Ultimately, what matters is the skill and competitiveness to make the audience laugh in any environment."- As a comedian married to comedian Kim Ji-hye, what are the biggest advantages and disadvantages you've experienced?"The biggest advantage is that since we are both comedians, we can understand each other's work without lengthy explanations. We also understand the situations that arise due to broadcasting or work. The disadvantage is that my wife knows my schedule and movements too well. However, I believe the advantage of understanding and empathizing with each other's profession is much greater."- What significance did appearing as a comedian couple on 'Can't Be the No. 1' have for your relationship and broadcast activities?"Because we had the commonality of being comedians, we were able to work together on a couple's variety show with mutual understanding. As the broadcast gained popularity, it also provided an opportunity to promote our couple more. However, there weren't many parts where we specifically explained the differences between our on-screen personas and our actual lives in interviews, so I can only speak about what has been confirmed."- You hosted MBC Radio's '2 O'Clock Manse' for 14 years. What kind of experience has your long radio career been?"I hosted MBC's '2 O'Clock Manse' for a long time with Jung Kyung-mi and Park Young-jin. It wasn't easy to meet listeners consistently every day, but I was grateful to be able to do it for 14 years. Leaving the program was regrettable, but my affection for radio remains. I would like to host again if I have the chance."- As times change, the standards of laughter also change. What values do you think comedy should uphold today?"Even if trends and ways of expression change, well-made gags remain funny over time. However, people are more sensitive now to expressions that mock or make someone uncomfortable. Even if a remark was intended to be funny, if the audience feels uncomfortable, there's already a problem. We need to understand the sensibilities of the times, research them, and create gags that people can laugh at comfortably."- This is the last question. You have been a fixture on the comedy stage for a long time. How do you want to be remembered as a comedian in the future?"Rather than leaving behind grand achievements, I want to do what I love for a long time. Seeing my colleagues who used to perform with me leave the stage, I want to hold on a little longer myself. Of course, I can only continue if the public wants me to, but by adapting to the times, I want to remain a comedian who brings at least a little laughter to people."(Closing) Even within the entertainment industry, there is a relatively strict hierarchy among comedians. Park Joon-hyung, who has established himself as a reliable junior to his seniors and a warm, big-hearted senior to his juniors, is often seen emceeing comedy association events or large-scale comedian gatherings, playing a crucial bridging role and receiving applause. We express our gratitude once again for coming to the studio to conduct the interview despite his busy schedule.eel@tf.co.kr