Former 'Gag Concert' Comedian Kim Soo-young's Journey from Fame to Grocery Store Salesman

Kim Soo-young, a comedian known for his role in the popular 'Gag Concert' segment 'Father and Son,' has shared his current life working as a grocery store salesman after a business failure.

On the October 12th episode of MBN's 'Special World,' Kim Soo-young, who once performed alongside Yoo Min-sang as a father-son duo, appeared to discuss his life changes.

During the broadcast, Kim Soo-young revealed that his day starts at 3 AM, loading goods for transport. He stated, "I have to start selling in the morning. If I don't move now, I can't work. I'll go anywhere in the country where I'm called."

After a five-hour drive to a local grocery store, he personally arranged kitchenware for sale, capturing attention by promoting the products live. Kim Soo-young confessed, "I used to feel uncomfortable when people recognized me, but now I'm grateful and feel alive when they do."

Reflecting on his impoverished childhood, he shared, "I was too poor to attend academies or college. I thought of turning those tough times into laughter, which led me to become a comedian." He also recounted his past, working multiple jobs from the age of 19, saving money to support his parents, and moving to Seoul with just 50,000 won to pursue comedy.

His life changed after debuting. Kim Soo-young reminisced, "I shot many commercials and performed at events, earning millions annually. Looking back, I was happy." However, after 'Gag Concert' ended, a banana distribution business he started on a friend's advice failed, leaving him in debt and leading him to sell kitchenware.

He tearfully expressed regret over his father's illness, sharing, "In winter, when carpentry work stopped, he worked at a pollock drying rack. His hands were always frozen." His father, diagnosed with cancer, refused treatment to avoid burdening the family, adding to the emotional weight.

Now four years into marriage, Kim Soo-young shared, "When I had no money for gas, my wife gave me 50,000 won, which became my motivation. I want to grow that money for her," conveying his determination to do his best for his family in this new chapter of life.

Jo Na-yeon, Ten Asia Reporter nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr