A Beloved Comedian Lost Too Soon
Comedian Jung Sehyup, best remembered for his quirky ‘Chao Chao’ persona on Korean comedy shows, passed away on June 6 at just 41 years old. The news was confirmed by KBS 2TV’s ‘Gag Concert’ on June 7, expressing deep condolences: “We mourn the sudden passing of comedian Jung Sehyup. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Funeral Details and Final Farewell
His funeral is being held at Hanbaeksan Memorial Hall in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, with the procession scheduled for June 9 at 7:40 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Hanbaeksan Memorial Park.
From Rising Star to Comedy Icon
Jung Sehyup debuted in 2008 through the 10th open recruitment at SBS. He rose to national fame with his appearances on variety hits like ‘People Searching for Laughter (Uchassa)’ and ‘Gag Tonight.’ Viewers loved his outrageous Chow Chow dog costume and his viral catchphrase “Chao Chao,” which became part of early 2010s comedy lexicon.
A Fighter Until the End
In 2015, Jung revealed he was battling leukemia, with doctors at the time giving him only a 10% chance of survival. After undergoing a bone marrow transplant, he shared the good news of full recovery in 2022, giving hope to fans everywhere. Last year, he made a hopeful return to ‘Gag Concert’, showing his unshakable love for comedy.
Tributes Pour In
The comedy community is mourning this unexpected loss. Fellow comedian Kim Wonhyo wrote a touching message on Instagram: “May you rest in peace. I hope you’re cracking jokes in a freer, happier place. Laugh without tears up there…”
Jung Sehyup’s passion for comedy, even in the face of illness, inspired many. Though he’s no longer on stage, the laughter he gifted lives on.
