Writer: Rupali Teresa Kujur (Ranchi, Jharkhand, India)

Editor: Prachi Vaid (New Delhi, India)

Yoo Jae-suk is a celebrity who is most beloved amongst all demographics of South Korea. Through this article, I would like to introduce the legendary entertainer to whom I have the utmost respect and the justifiable reason behind giving him the title of the Nation’s MC.

WHO IS YOO JAE-SUK?

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, in 1972, Yoo Jae-suk showed remarkable talent for making people laugh since childhood. At the age of 19, he debuted as the youngest comedian on the KBS Comedian Festival (for college students) in 1991, where he performed a parody of a commercial. But his fame to stardom was not an easy path. Even after 9 years of his debut, he was not able to turn into a successful comedian. In 2000, in a program called “Beautiful TV Face”, he gloomily talked about the only 2 awards that he had received—one as a commemoration for the year-end celebration and a trophy for a talk show which was hosted by another host. 

After playing numerous minor roles and living with insecurity regarding his future, he finally had a breakthrough in his career by hosting the program “Live and Enjoy Together” in 2002, which became an instant hit. After this, Yoo Jae-suk received lots of offers to host television shows and finally received his first Daesang (Grand Prize) award in 2005 for the talk show “Happy Together.” Following this, offers for hosting kept coming to him, all of which led to him being a common name in the South Korean household. He is popularly known for hosting variety television shows, including Infinite Challenge, Running Man, Happy Together, and Hangout With Yoo.

MY INTRODUCTION TO THIS PERSONALITY

I have been an avid fan of Running Man since 2014, when one of my friends gave me around 100 episodes of the program. I still remember how I would watch an episode per day in chronological order. It was this particular show through which I was introduced to Yoo Jae-suk and the South Korean Entertainment Industry. After discovering him, I began watching other shows he hosted, like Happy Together, Infinite Challenge, and Busted. In no time, I became a huge fan myself.

WITTY CHARACTER

I have never been bored watching a show hosted by Yoo Jae-suk. The way he handles any question thrown at him in the wittiest way possible never fails to make me laugh. I believe this character of his makes people love to see him as a TV host. The combination of being smartypants and hilariously making funny remarks is one of many reasons for him to be called the Nation’s MC. Also, one would usually feel offended if someone makes fun of them, but in the case of Yoo Jae-suk, he laughs at himself without taking it seriously.

A GREAT SUNBAE

There are plenty of South Korean celebrities and K-POP idols who have expressed their gratitude towards Yoo Jae-suk, mentioning the heart-warming stories that they have shared with him. In one of the episodes of JTBC’s “Gamsung Camping,” MAMAMOO’s Solar mentioned a heart-touching incident with Yoo Jae-suk. She first met him during her early debut days. Being his fan, when she asked him for a photo, Yoo Jae-suk responded by calling her by her birth name, instead of her stage name. Solar was surprised and deeply touched as only her fans knew her real name. In one of the episodes of KBS’s “Problem Child in House”, artist Jessie talked about how Yoo Jae-suk would always text her after every shoot that they did together to let her know that she did a good job. Through all the episodes of Running Man that I have watched, I can confidently tell what a great senior and pure soul he is. 

A PHILANTHROPIST

Yoo Jae-suk has been donating to lots of good causes. No wonder, with the personality he has, this was highly expected of him. A few of the cases for which he has donated are:

• Sewol Ferry victims in 2014
• Daegu Seomoon Market fire in 2016
• Victims of the Gangwon Province wildfires in April and those affected by Typhoon Mitag in October 2019
• Feminine hygiene products to 500 low-income teenagers in 2020
• Coal Briquettes To Low-Income Families for more than 7 consecutive years
• Donated to Hope Bridge-Korea Disaster Relief Association for coronavirus relief funds in 2020.

Yoo Jae-suk has been ranked 7th under Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 in 2021, being the only Comedian/TV host under the top 10 list. It is probably his down-to-earth and humble nature, despite being renowned globally, that has captured my attention the most. It’s all about the personality that builds up admiration for us amongst everyone, and Yoo Jae-suk has undoubtedly shown his worthiness and true nature over these years. I hope Yoo Jae-suk continues to make us laugh in the coming years, too. With the example that he has set for his juniors, I hope they aspire to become as sincere and humble as him while upholding their character and working hard.

One last thing that I learned while writing this article is to hang in there, even if it takes 10 years to get recognition in your field, keep trying your best, and utilize every ounce of opportunity that comes your way. 

Yoo Jae-suk’s humble personality, patience, and consistency in following his dream have made him the global star that he is now. His journey reminds us that humility can shine brighter than fame, and true recognition comes to those who stay grounded.

Comment down below your favorite show by Yoo Jae-suk!