Seoul, South Korea – Kim Soo-young, a comedian once celebrated for his role in the popular South Korean sketch comedy show “Gag Concert,” is now making a living as a kitchenware salesman, a stark shift reflecting the precariousness of the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by performers after a show’s cancellation. The change in fortunes, detailed in recent reports from The Chosun Ilbo and TenAsia, highlights the financial vulnerabilities even for those who have achieved a degree of public recognition.
Kim’s daily routine, as documented in an episode of MBN’s “Special World” broadcast on , begins at with loading kitchenware for transport. He then undertakes drives of up to five hours to reach local grocery stores, where he personally arranges displays and promotes the products, sometimes directly to fans who recognize him. This represents a significant departure from his previous life performing alongside Yoo Min-sang in the “Father and Son” segment of “Gag Concert.”
The transition wasn’t immediate. Following the end of “Gag Concert” in 2020, Kim attempted to launch a banana distribution business, a venture undertaken on the advice of a friend. However, the business failed, exacerbated by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving him burdened with debt. This failure ultimately led him to the current role of traveling kitchenware salesman.
Despite the challenges, Kim appears to have found a degree of acceptance and even gratitude in his new profession. He reportedly confessed to feeling “grateful and feel[ing] alive” when recognized by fans while selling kitchenware, a sentiment contrasting with his initial discomfort at being identified in his new role. This suggests a shift in perspective, from viewing recognition as a marker of past success to embracing it as a connection with people in his present circumstances.
Kim’s story is also rooted in a difficult upbringing. He recounted a childhood marked by poverty, lacking the resources for private tutoring or higher education. He began working at age 19, taking on jobs such as trash collection and working at a scrap yard for three years to support his parents. He eventually moved to Seoul with just 50,000 won (approximately $37 USD based on current exchange rates) to pursue a career in comedy, ultimately achieving success after passing the KBS public comedian audition in 2011.
His career flourished in the years following his debut, with appearances in commercials and events generating substantial income. He reminisced about earning “millions annually,” suggesting a period of significant financial stability. However, the cancellation of “Gag Concert” fundamentally altered his trajectory.
The case of Kim Soo-young underscores the financial risks inherent in the entertainment industry, particularly for comedians and performers reliant on consistent television appearances. The loss of a regular platform, as experienced with “Gag Concert,” can quickly lead to financial hardship, even for those who have previously enjoyed success. His current situation highlights the need for performers to diversify income streams and prepare for potential career disruptions.
While Kim expressed a willingness to return to comedy should opportunities arise, his current focus remains on providing for himself through direct sales. His story serves as a poignant reminder that even those who have achieved public recognition are not immune to economic challenges and may need to adapt to new realities to sustain themselves.
The broader implications of Kim’s experience extend to the wider Korean entertainment landscape. The reliance on a limited number of television programs for comedian exposure creates a vulnerability for performers when those programs are discontinued. This situation may prompt a re-evaluation of career strategies within the industry, encouraging greater emphasis on independent content creation and diversified revenue models.
