Laughter has long been a cornerstone of entertainment in South Korea. From lighthearted jokes to sharp satire, Korean comedians have made audiences laugh for years.

This comprehensive guide highlights the top 10 Korean comedians, showcasing their unique styles, memorable performances, and lasting impact on the comedy scene.

Let’s take a closer look at the lives and careers of these gifted individuals who have brought joy to millions.

List of Korean Comedians

1: Haha

Date of Birth: August 20, 1979, Stuttgart, Germany

Best works:

• Running Man
• Nonstop

Awards:

• Best Entertainer at the 2011 SBS Entertainment Awards

Haha’s foray into comedy began in the early 2000s with his role in Nonstop, where he showcased his comedic talent and charm. Known for his quick wit and infectious laughter, Haha has a unique ability to connect with audiences through humor that blends spontaneity and playful antics. His popularity skyrocketed with his participation in Infinite Challenge, which redefined the variety show landscape in South Korea, and later as a permanent cast member of Running Man.

Haha‘s contributions have significantly shaped the comedy scene, as he navigates various formats while maintaining his light-hearted style.

2: Jeong Hyeong-don

Date of Birth: March 15, 1978, Gimcheon, South Korea

Best works:

• Infinite Challenge
• Weekly Idol
• Gag Concert

Awards:

• Comedian Contest Amateur
• Best Newcomer Award (Comedy)
• Top Excellence Award (Idea, Gag Concert: “Do-Re-Mi Trio”)
• Best Entertainer Award (Gag Concert)
• Best Entertainer Award (Weekly Idol)

Jeong Hyeong-don’s comedic journey began with his debut on the sketch show Gag Concert in 2002, showcasing his talent through skits like “Do-Re-Mi Trio.” Known for his quirky humor and relatable personality, he quickly gained popularity. His unique style blends comedic sketches with musical elements, captivating audiences across South Korea. Jeong’s big break came with Infinite Challenge, where his engaging interactions and infectious laughter resonated with viewers, turning the show into a national sensation.

Additionally, his role in We Got Married further amplified his fame, as fans adored his chemistry with various co-stars. Jeong’s contributions to the comedy scene and ability to consistently entertain solidify his status as a prominent figure among Korean comedians.

3: Jeong Jun-ha

Date of Birth: March 18, 1971, Seoul, South Korea

Best works:

• Infinite Challenge
• No-Brain Survival
• High Kick!
• Marrying the Mafia II

Awards:

• Comedy TV Prize
• Popularity Award
• Daesang (Grand Prize)

Jeong Jun-ha entered the comedy scene shortly after graduating high school. Known for his self-deprecating humor and charming personality, he gained fame on the variety show Infinite Challenge. He showcased his extraordinary appetite and comedic timing on this show, earning nicknames like “God of Eating” and “Super-Fatty.” His comedic style blends clever wordplay and physical comedy, making him relatable to audiences.

Furthermore, his contribution to comedy extends beyond television; he operates a karaoke pub and participates in various shows, solidifying his role as a versatile entertainer.

4: Ji Suk-jin

Date of Birth: February 10, 1966, Seoul, South Korea

Best works:

• Running Man
• Star Golden Bell

Awards:

• Excellence Award

Ji Suk-jin is a prominent figure among Korean comedians. Starting his career as a singer in 1992 with his debut album “I Know,” he soon transitioned into comedy, where he showcased his talent as a main MC on Star Golden Bell from 2004 to 2010. His charm and comedic timing gained him worldwide fame as a cast member of Running Man, where he captivates audiences with his humor and relatable personality.

Suk-jin’s comedic style resonates with viewers. His easy-going demeanor and ability to connect with both guests and fans have made him a staple in variety shows, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.

5: Kang Ho-dong

Date of Birth: July 14, 1970, Jinju, South Korea

Best Works in Comedy:

• X-Man
• Love Letter
• 2 Days & 1 Night
• Star King

Awards:

• Baeksang Arts Awards Daesang (Grand Prize) for Television
• SBS Entertainment Awards

Kang Ho-dong’s entry into comedy was a natural progression following his successful wrestling career, where he earned fame as a top traditional Korean wrestler. He began his entertainment journey in 1993 as a television host, quickly showcasing a distinctive style characterized by physical humor and clever wordplay. His dynamic presence and ability to engage with guests and audiences alike contributed significantly to his popularity.

His groundbreaking achievement of winning the Baeksang Arts Awards Daesang in 2008 marked him as the first comedian to receive this prestigious honor, highlighting his exceptional impact on Korean entertainment.

6: Lee Soo-geun

Date of Birth: February 10, 1975 Yangpyeong County, South Korea

Best works:

• 1 Night 2 Days
• Knowing Bros

Awards:

• Excellent Corner Award for Comedy Division
• Best Entertainer’s Award (Men Division)

Lee Soo-geun’s journey into comedy began on KBS’s Gag Concert, where he showcased his knack for improvisation. Known for his candid demeanor, he excels in connecting with guests and audiences, establishing him as a prominent figure among Korean comedians. His comedic style is relatable to life experiences, resonating with viewers.

7: Noh Hong-Chul

Date of Birth: March 31, 1979, Seoul, South Korea

Best works:

• Infinite Challenge
• Talents for Sale
• I Live Alone

Awards:

• SBS Entertainment Awards
• Korea Best Dresser Awards

Noh Hong-Chul’s journey into comedy began with his television debut on Mnet in 2004. Known for his quirky and absurd humor, his comedic style combined energetic performance with playful absurdity, highlighted by his infamous “jeojil dance,” which garnered international attention during his cameo in Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” In addition to his comedic endeavors, he ventured into entrepreneurship, creating online fashion malls and budget travel services, reflecting his multifaceted talents.

8: Park Myeong-su

Date of Birth: August 27, 1970, Gunsan, South Korea

Best works:

• Infinite Challenge
• Happy Together

Awards:

• Daesang at the 2012 MBC Entertainment Awards
• Best Radio DJ at the KBS Entertainment Awards (2016, 2021)

Park Myung-soo began his comedy journey in 1993 and quickly gained popularity among the list of famous Korean comedians. Known for his unique comedic style, he blends humor with self-deprecating wit and aggressive banter, creating memorable moments on shows like Infinite Challenge. His reputation is built on various nicknames, such as “Rice Insect” and “Chicken CEO,” reflecting his engaging personality.

Park’s versatility is evident in his music career, where he created songs under the name “Bangbaedong Wildcat”, showcasing his electronic music talents. With a successful tenure spanning over two decades, he remains a beloved figure, influencing the landscape of Korean comedy and entertainment.

9: Shim Hyung-rae

Date of Birth: January 3, 1958, Seoul, Mullae-dong, South Korea

Best works:

• Comedy House
• Yonggary and D-War

Awards:

• KBS Best Comedian of the Year Award (1988)
• KBS Performer of the Year Award (1990)
• New Intellectual Award (1999)

Shim Hyung-rae began his comedic journey in 1982, captivating audiences with his slapstick humor and exaggerated characters. His distinctive style is rooted in physical comedy, showcasing his ability to evoke laughter through visual gags and vibrant storytelling.

Shim gained significant recognition for his work in sketch comedy shows, particularly Comedy House, which set the foundation for his later successes. As a filmmaker, he directed and starred in several notable projects, including Yonggary, often regarded as one of the most expensive Korean movies.

10: Yoo Jae-suk

Date of Birth: August 14, 1972, Seoul, South Korea

Best works:

• Infinite Challenge
• Running Man
• Happy Together

Awards:

• Grand Prix Awards from Infinite Challenge (2006, 2007, 2009)

Yoo Jae-suk’s journey into comedy began in 1991, when he debuted at the KBS Comedian Festival, performing a memorable parody of a commercial with Choi Seung-Gyung. Known for his quick wit and likable demeanor, he appeals to diverse audiences across all demographics, earning him the nickname “MC of the Nation.” His unique style combines humor with relatability, often addressing everyday life scenarios, which resonates deeply with viewers. Yoo gained widespread fame as a host through various successful variety shows, particularly Infinite Challenge, which popularized the blend of reality and comedy. His ability to adapt to different formats and connect with guests has made him a staple among Korean comedians.

Beyond his hosting prowess, Yoo’s engaging personality and comedic timing have significantly shaped the landscape of Korean variety shows, influencing upcoming comedians and creating a lasting legacy in the industry.