Comedian Lee Seon-min recently shared his emotional journey from the abrupt cancellation of his debut program, ‘Uchachacha,’ to his subsequent rise as a prominent YouTuber. Appearing on the tvN variety show ‘You Quiz on the Block,’ Lee recounted the feelings of helplessness and uncertainty he experienced after his promising start in the comedy world was cut short.
The Sting of ‘Uchachacha’ Cancellation
Lee Seon-min, who achieved significant recognition as a comedian within a decade of his debut, sat down with host Yoo Jae-suk to discuss his career. Yoo Jae-suk recalled Lee’s early days, noting, “You passed the SBS public comedian selection in 2016, but unfortunately, the comedy program ‘Uchachacha’ was canceled just one year after your successful audition. How did that feel emotionally?”
Recalling that period, Lee Seon-min admitted it was a difficult time. “It was incredibly frustrating,” he confessed. “I debuted in my late twenties and was approaching thirty. Suddenly, my job disappeared. I cried uncontrollably after the final recording.” The situation was particularly jarring for Lee, who had worked hard to become a public comedian, only to see his program vanish before its first anniversary. Losing his primary source of income and career stability at such a pivotal age left him feeling lost and disheartened.
Yoo Jae-suk, empathizing with Lee’s situation, added, “Given that comedy programs were rarely canceled back then, you likely couldn’t have prepared for what came next.” The abrupt end to his television career left Lee facing an uncertain future, with many around him suggesting alternative paths.
Navigating Unconventional Advice
Lee revealed that he received numerous suggestions from those around him, including some rather unexpected ones. “My professor even told me, ‘I’ll make sure you land a job at the company,'” Lee shared, eliciting laughter from the hosts. The humorous anecdote highlighted the serious nature of his predicament, as the term “landing a job” was presented as a fallback option.
His family also encouraged him to consider more conventional career choices. “My father told me to come home and prepare for the civil service exam,” Lee stated. This advice, while practical, spurred Lee to seek a different path.
“When I heard that,” Lee explained, “I felt a strong sense of regret, thinking, ‘Dad, I can’t let it end like this. I want to achieve something before I move on.’ That’s when I decided to explore the world of YouTube.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his transition from traditional broadcasting to online content creation.
The YouTube Pivot: A New Beginning
The cancellation of ‘Uchachacha’ ultimately became a new starting point for Lee Seon-min, rather than an ending. Faced with the loss of his familiar stage in broadcasting, he proactively sought out a new platform in YouTube. The tears and frustration he felt at the time transformed into a determined pursuit of his own path, a decision that would significantly reshape his life in the years to come.
His YouTube endeavors, which began out of necessity, have now flourished for nearly a decade, forming the solid foundation of his current success. This transition wasn’t just about finding a new career; it was about resilience and adapting to change.
Financial Success and Generous Gifts
Lee also spoke candidly about the significant increase in his income following his YouTube success. Yoo Jae-suk inquired, “Income and popularity often go hand-in-hand. Did your income increase tenfold after becoming popular?”
Lee clarified, “It’s tenfold compared to my income right before ‘Uchachacha’ was canceled.” While the figure sounds substantial, he emphasized it was a comparison to his earnings during a period of uncertainty. Nevertheless, his improved financial situation allowed him to express his gratitude to his parents in meaningful ways.
He revealed that he had purchased a luxury SUV for his father and installed a massage chair in his parents’ home. “I bought my dad an SUV when he had his leg checked, and we installed a massage chair for my mom,” Lee shared. He further elaborated, “My mom’s birthday is in October, but I consider it already gifted. Bringing a senior comedian like Yoo Jae-suk to our home felt like a significant present in itself.”
The mention of Yoo Jae-suk as a gift brought a smile to the host’s face. Yoo Jae-suk recalled the moment, saying, “My mom seemed to hug me particularly tightly that day.” Lee expressed his desire to continue providing meaningful gifts, stating, “Even so, I want to give them more good presents.”
Lee Seon-min’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from challenging circumstances. His journey from a canceled TV show to a thriving YouTube career demonstrates the power of finding new avenues and turning setbacks into stepping stones.
