Ha Ji-young, a South Korean actress and model, began her acting career in 2003 with KBS’s 18th Public Bond Comedy, and is noted for her parts in Divorce Lawyer in Love, You Call It Passion, and The Legend.
Han Eu-ddeum is a South Korean performer who works as both an actress and a model. Her television portfolio includes the dramas Righteous Love, Nevertheless and Celebrity. In addition, she has acted in films such as Revivre and Gentleman.
Heo Kyung-hwan is a South Korean comedian who first appeared on the sketch show Gag Concert, becoming widely recognized for his routines “Four Men,” “Seoul Mate,” and “Dignity of a Beggar.” He has also taken part in programs such as The Human Condition and Mamma Mia. On 4 February 2016, his signing with Cube Entertainment was announced, and he later joined Think Entertainment in February 2022.
Joel Alexander Kim Booster (Korean: 김준민) works in the United States as an actor, comedian, producer and writer. He gained recognition for penning, producing and appearing in Hulu’s romantic‑comedy feature Fire Island, as well as for his part in Apple TV’s series Loot (2022‑present), which brought him two Primetime Emmy nominations. His résumé also includes co‑producing, writing or guest‑acting on shows such as Big Mouth, The Other Two, Shrill, Search Party and Sunnyside.
Jung Chan‑woo, a South Korean comedian, actor and singer, makes up one half of the comedy pair Cultwo. The duo’s nationally syndicated program, Cultwo Show, has been broadcast on SBS Power FM since 2006.
Kim Ki-ri, also rendered as Kim Kilee or Kim Giri, is a South Korean comedian most recognized for his work on KBS2’s sketch comedy program Gag Concert.
Kim Mi-ryeo, a South Korean comedian and singer, first attracted notice in 2006 by starring as the eponymous madame in the "Madame" sketch featured on MBC’s comedy show Gag Ya.
Kwon Hyuk‑soo, a South Korean performer, works as an actor, singer and comedian. He entered the spotlight in the second season of Saturday Night Live Korea and stayed on as a regular cast member up through season nine.
Lee Hwi‑jae, a South Korean television host who also works as a comedian, actor and singer, graduated in theater from the Seoul Institute of the Arts. After a stint as a floor director on MBC’s entertainment block Sunday, Sunday Night, he entered the broadcast scene in 1992, taking on a comedic role. His breakthrough came with the show Life Theater, which catapulted him to fame. Since then he has fronted several variety programs, including Sang Sang Plus, Sponge and Quiz to Change the World. In 2008 he ranked third among MBC’s earners, receiving a salary of ₩574.5 million.
Park Sung-kwang works as a comedian, directs films, and raps with the group Brave Guys. He is presently a cast member of KBS’s Gag Concert, where his comedy career began in 2007. Since 2011 he has operated his own kimchi venture. Earlier he was represented by SNS Entertainment, and he joined SM C&C in 2018, remaining there through 2023.
Song Eun‑i, a South Korean vocalist, actress and comic, first stepped onto the stage as a theater performer in 1993. In that same year she also launched her career as a KBS comedian. She now works under the banner of the agency she created, Media Lab Seesaw (SISO). As its chief executive, Song runs the company alongside her friend Kim‑Sook, who holds the director’s post.
Song Sae-byeok, a South Korean actor, first attracted notice for his supporting part in the 2010 movie The Servant. He later took on the lead in the comedies Meet the In-Laws (2011) and The Suck Up Project: Mr. XXX‑Kisser (2012).
Albania
1
Armenia
1
Argentina
24
Austria
28
Australia
22
Azerbaijan
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
31
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
12
Canada
48
Switzerland
17
Chile
8
Cameroon
1
China
7
Colombia
2
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
4
Spain
74
Finland
15
France
211
United Kingdom
148
Ghana
3
Greece
18
Guatemala
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
8
Ireland
20
Israel
9
India
11
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Japan
35
Kenya
3
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
Latvia
1
Morocco
17
Myanmar
1
Malta
1
Malawi
2
Mexico
28
Malaysia
7
Nigeria
19
Nicaragua
2
Netherlands
2
Norway
12
Nepal
3
New Zealand
9
Peru
2
Philippines
35
Pakistan
7
Poland
8
Portugal
7
Qatar
1
Romania
1
Serbia
3
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
Thailand
2
Tunisia
4
Turkey
5
Taiwan
1
Ukraine
1
Uganda
7
United States
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Uruguay
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Uzbekistan
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Vietnam
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South Africa
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South Korea has a vibrant comedy scene shaped by television, live performances, sketch shows and digital entertainment. Korean comedy, often known as gag or gaegeu, has its own distinctive style, combining expressive physical humour, clever wordplay, exaggerated characters and quick exchanges between performers. While stand-up comedy is becoming more visible, much of the country's comedy culture has traditionally grown through television variety shows and sketch-based programmes.
From established entertainers who have spent decades on Korean television to younger comedians building audiences online, South Korea offers a wide range of comic talent. Its comedy is closely connected to Korean popular culture, with performers frequently appearing alongside actors, musicians and other entertainers.
South Korea has produced many well-known comedians and comedy entertainers, several of whom have become familiar faces through long-running television programmes.
Yoo Jae-suk is one of the country's most recognisable entertainers. Known for his quick wit, warm hosting style and ability to bring out humour in others, he has become a central figure in Korean variety television. His work demonstrates how comedy in South Korea often develops through conversation, games and interactions between guests.
Park Myung-soo is another prominent comedian, recognised for his blunt delivery, distinctive personality and comedic chemistry with other entertainers. Shin Dong-yup has built a long career as a comedian and television host, while Kang Ho-dong is known for his energetic presentation and strong presence on variety shows.
Other familiar names include Lee Soo-geun, whose improvisational humour has made him a popular presence on television, and Kim Jun-ho, who has worked extensively in comedy programmes and variety entertainment. Among the newer generation, comedians such as Jang Do-yeon, Park Na-rae and Lee Eun-ji have gained attention for their lively performances, observational humour and appearances across television and online platforms.
These performers represent different sides of Korean comedy, from traditional sketch-based entertainment to conversational humour and personality-driven comedy.
Stand-up comedy has a smaller and different place in South Korea's entertainment industry than it does in countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom. However, live stand-up has been developing, with comedians experimenting with personal storytelling, social observations and humour drawn from everyday Korean life.
Performers often explore topics such as relationships, work, family expectations, dating and the awkward moments of daily life. As audiences become more familiar with international stand-up formats, Korean comedians have more opportunities to develop individual stage personas and perform material outside traditional television comedy.
English-language comedy events and international performers have also helped introduce different stand-up styles to audiences in Seoul and other major cities. For visitors and residents alike, these shows offer another way to experience the country's comedy culture.
Sketch comedy and television variety programmes have played a major role in shaping South Korean humour. Rather than focusing exclusively on a comedian delivering jokes to an audience, many popular formats use recurring characters, short sketches, improvisation and interactions between a group of entertainers.
Programmes such as Gag Concert helped introduce generations of viewers to Korean sketch comedy, while variety shows created a space for comedians to demonstrate their timing and improvisational skills. Humour often comes from unexpected reactions, playful teasing, physical comedy and the relationships between regular cast members.
This format has also influenced Korean entertainment beyond comedy. Comedians frequently appear on talk shows, reality programmes and entertainment specials, where their role is to create funny moments and keep conversations lively.
Digital platforms have opened new opportunities for South Korean comedians. YouTube, social media and streaming services allow performers to publish sketches, character-based videos and short comedy clips without relying entirely on traditional television.
Online comedy often draws on recognisable situations, workplace culture, friendships, dating and everyday social interactions. Short-form videos can quickly introduce a comedian to a wider audience, while longer sketches give performers room to develop characters and recurring jokes.
This digital shift has also helped younger comedians reach viewers who may not regularly watch traditional comedy programmes. As a result, South Korea's comedy scene continues to evolve, blending established television formats with new styles of online entertainment.
South Korean comedy is much broader than stand-up alone. Its performers work across live stages, television, sketch shows, variety programmes and digital platforms, creating a comedy culture with its own recognisable rhythms and traditions.
Whether you enjoy sharp observational humour, energetic physical performances, character comedy or spontaneous exchanges between entertainers, South Korea has plenty to explore. Browse GiggleTime to discover South Korean comedians, learn more about individual performers and explore Korean comedy alongside comedians from countries around the world.
