Today marks the 16th anniversary of the passing of Bae Sam-ryong, one of South Korea’s most beloved comedians, known for pioneering slapstick humor that brought joy to generations.
Tragic Health Battle Ends Iconic Career
Bae Sam-ryong died on February 23, 2010, at the age of 84, after a prolonged fight with lung cancer. He had been receiving treatment for pneumonia and frontotemporal dementia when complications arose. In June 2007, the comedian suffered a stroke and spent the next three years in the hospital, enduring significant health challenges.
A Pioneer of Korean Slapstick Comedy
During the 1960s and 1970s, Bae Sam-ryong rose to fame with his catchphrase, “Without laughter, it’s not okay,” establishing himself as Korea’s top comedian. He popularized the unique “Gae Dari Chum” dance, a hallmark of Korean slapstick that captivated audiences and earned widespread acclaim.
In the 1980s, he performed at military bases, receiving numerous awards for his contributions. Later, in the 1990s, he made comebacks on KBS shows like “Yumma 1beonji” and “Comedy High School,” as well as MBC’s “New Without Laughter, It’s Not Okay,” mentoring a new generation of comedians.
Family Struggles Amid Illness
Despite his fame, Bae faced poverty and cancer in his later years. Rumors persist that fellow comedians covered around 200 million won for his medical bills. His funeral was broadcast on MBN’s special program.
His son, Bae Dong-jin, who appeared on television, stated, “My father earned a lot of money, but nothing was left behind.” He added, “His assets were completely depleted during the hospital stays for his second and third marriages.”
Bae’s wife expressed, “In his later years, family assets went outside due to involvement with gambling, leaving no provisions for proper treatment or funeral expenses.”
