Meet Yoo Jae-pil: The Rising Star of K-Pop Showcases

<Kim Ji-won's One Pick>
Introducing the one star who will capture your heart. Meet your 'One Pick,' as chosen by TenAsia's Kim Ji-won.

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"Feel the presence, Yoo Jae-pil!"

Yoo Jae-seok and Yoo Jae-pil. Even their names sound similar. Yoo Jae-pil, who considers national MC Yoo Jae-seok as his role model, has grown to be known as the 'Yoo Jae-seok of Idol Showcases.'

Recently, I met comedian Yoo Jae-pil at FNC Entertainment's Seongsu office in Seoul. Yoo Jae-pil debuted as a comedian in 2015 through SBS's 15th open recruitment. He has since become an irreplaceable MC for idol showcases, having previously worked as a reporter for SBS's 'Night of Real Entertainment.'

Yoo Jae-pil is praised for his stable hosting skills, having taken the stage as an MC 133 times from early this year to last month, with 101 of those being K-pop related events. He frequently appears at media and fan showcases, becoming a familiar face to K-pop fans.

When asked about the secret to his popularity, Yoo Jae-pil shyly attributed it to his "visuals," clarifying that he meant his tone and manner. He explained that he styles himself similarly to the idols performing on stage. Yoo Jae-pil often appears on showcase stages looking like a member of the idol group, blending seamlessly with them. He mentioned that senior MC Park Kyung-lim is adept at matching tone and manner at broadcast production presentations, and he thought it would be beneficial to do the same in the music field.

Yoo Jae-pil makes efforts to close the emotional distance with artists. He said, "I focus on chemistry with the members. Chemistry is important to ease tension. Even difficult stories can be fun if you become friends and build chemistry." He also thought about how to approach artists he meets for the first time. Yoo Jae-pil shared, "I buy a small cake as a gift. A small celebration can become a big one. It's not about the cake itself but celebrating the release of a new album together. It creates a sense of camaraderie."

To establish his unique style as an MC, Yoo Jae-pil has researched various aspects, even finding the pen that suits him best. On showcase stages, he simplifies reporters' questions for artists and clarifies potentially confusing answers. He said, "Before going on stage, I equip both pockets with pens. Sometimes one falls out, but I use the other one. Having two pens is crucial because they are my weapon during Q&A sessions."

Yoo Jae-pil recently purchased a tablet PC after seeing it used instead of cue cards at an event. He carries it for events without cue cards, along with a watch, notebook, and two pens, which he calls his 'MC Box.'

As a comedian at heart, Yoo Jae-pil also showcases his comedic talents. At a showcase for the group Ahop last month, he appeared with a chopstick attached to his philtrum, reminiscent of Pinocchio, drawing laughter. It was a clever performance inspired by Ahop's new title track, 'Pinocchio Hates Lies.' Yoo Jae-pil laughed, "It's nice to make my appeal without affecting the artists. Many photo articles were published."

Yoo Jae-pil's path to becoming an MC was heavily influenced by Yoo Jae-seok. He said, "My role model, Yoo Jae-seok, is also a comedian from open recruitment. I wanted to create a commonality, so I took the comedian recruitment exam." He passed and performed on the 'Utchatsa' stage. However, when the program ended in 2017, he decided to follow Yoo Jae-seok's path. Inspired by Yoo Jae-seok's work as a reporter for KBS's 'Entertainment Weekly,' Yoo Jae-pil pursued a career as a reporter. He shared, "I took my profile to the broadcasting station and became a reporter after an on-the-spot interview." Industry insiders who noticed his work as a reporter for SBS's 'Night of Real Entertainment' naturally sought him out as a showcase MC, leading him to fully embrace the role.

The role of an idol showcase MC is a perfect fit for Yoo Jae-pil. He made headlines in October when he hosted the Korean debut fan showcase for the group &TEAM. As a viewer of their survival audition, he showed exceptional passion during preparation. "It was their debut in Korea after three years of activities in Japan. Knowing their earnestness and story, I naturally wanted to support them." When approached for the showcase, he rewatched the program to relive the emotions and meticulously checked the members' changes by repeatedly watching their performances and music videos. Yoo Jae-pil explained, "Knowing points like 'Maki's body has improved a lot' allows me to naturally bring them up on site."

Yoo Jae-pil has a special affection for artists he has watched since their debut. He said, "Seeing friends I support succeed is a great motivation. Hardworking friends eventually succeed. I'm happy when the teams I host showcases for do well." Yoo Jae-pil added, "I've been with Kickflip since their debut showcase, and this is our third time together. The positive response continues after their comeback. It's gratifying to see their growing fanbase." Tours is another group he has watched from their first steps. The members sought Yoo Jae-pil's advice to create more enjoyable showcases, working diligently. He admired, "They practice and ponder like comedians. Nowadays, they are so good at entertainment that I need to learn from them."

To handle showcases more skillfully, Yoo Jae-pil also took acting lessons. He explained, "You can't always be happy, but I learned that as an MC, I shouldn't show my mood on stage. Acting lessons helped. I can smile naturally and handle crises with my unique laughter and breathing."

Naturally, Yoo Jae-pil ventured into acting. He made special appearances in various works, including 'To My Harry,' 'Namib,' 'Spring of the Four Seasons,' and 'Your Taste.' In August, he challenged himself with a historical drama on the short drama platform Beegloo, titled 'Yeon: That Night, Become a Bell.' Continuing this momentum, he took to the stage in Daehakro with the play 'No, So.' Yoo Jae-pil shared, "It's fun to bring laughter and emotion to people. Watching 'Extreme Job' in a packed theater was unforgettable. Seeing the audience enjoy it made me want to become a comedy actor."

"There aren't many people who are MCs and also appear in dramas or movies. I want to live that way, so I keep honing my skills." Yoo Jae-pil, who has loved K-pop since childhood, participated in the SM Youth Best Selection Contest in fifth grade and appeared on Mnet's 'Superstar K5' in 2013. He is also active as a singer, consistently working on new songs with the goal of releasing them early next year. Yoo Jae-pil said, "As an MC, it's a minus to stand out. The artist should shine for a good picture. But I needed a space to express my artistic side. Singing or dancing allows me to breathe my way and express myself, so it's fun. I'm happy when I perform as a singer."

When asked what K-pop means to him, Yoo Jae-pil pondered for a while before saying, "We're best friends. I want to remain lifelong friends." As an MC and singer, Yoo Jae-pil is always close to K-pop. He expressed his affection, "I live thanks to my best friends. I have friends called 'Bangbae-dong Losers.' Meeting them when I'm struggling makes me happy. K-pop is the same. Listening to it when I'm tired heals and makes me happy."

Regarding being called the 'Yoo Jae-seok of Showcases,' Yoo Jae-pil said, "I'm grateful for the compliment, but it also feels burdensome." He added, "Yoo Jae-seok, who has maintained his position for a long time, is truly amazing. I'll work hard to have more people call me the 'Yoo Jae-seok of Showcases.' I'll release songs, act, and show more charm in various fields." He concluded, "My dream is to work hard and appear on 'You Quiz.'"

Yoo Jae-pil also hopes to appear on MBC's 'Radio Star.' He eagerly said, "I look forward to reuniting with Kim Gu-ra, whom I worked with on 'Night of Real Entertainment.'" Yoo Jae-pil shared, "I don't have many impersonations, so I need something to replace them when asked. Instead of impersonations, I prepared a medley of songs. 'Yoo JaeFeel' and 'Yoo JaeChill' are songs that truly introduce me." He continued, "To be a better MC and entertainer, I also sing and act. It's all connected. I aim to be active in various fields as an entertainer and MC."

"Whether it's hosting a wedding or a comeback showcase, I'm part of someone's happy moment. I approach it with the mindset of contributing to joyful moments. 'Utchatsa' may have ended, but I still want to play the role of bringing laughter to people."

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr