Gag Concert to End After 21 Years... Final Recording on the 20th

Photo by KBS, captured from the 'Gag Concert' homepage

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] KBS's 'Gag Concert' (GagCon) is being canceled after 21 years.

According to a report on the 7th, 'GagCon' will follow the process of cancellation after its final recording at the end of May.

A KBS official told the media, "It has been tentatively decided to hold the last recording on the 20th," adding, "We are considering a way to end on a high note despite everyone's regret."

Started in 1999, 'GagCon' was recognized as the country's first public standing comedy program.

Also, 'GagCon' served as a platform for comedians to gain recognition. Following the contributions of veterans such as Jeon Yu-seong and Kim Mi-hwa who led the early days, comedians including Shim Hyun-seop, Kim Jun-ho, Kim Dae-hee, Park Jun-hyung, Kim Byung-man, Yoo Se-yoon, Kim Jun-hyun, Kim Sook, and Ahn Young-mi all gained great popularity through 'GagCon.'

The 200th episode special aired in August 2003 recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 35.3% (according to Nielsen Korea), enjoying huge popularity. However, around 2010, when real variety shows began to gain popularity, the ratings declined, facing several crises.

Last December, the broadcast time was moved from Sunday to Saturday, but after being rescheduled to Friday last month, the ratings dropped to the 2% range.

After MBC's 'Gagya' (canceled in 2009) and SBS's 'Utchatsa' (canceled in 2017) disappeared into history, KBS continued the tradition of classic comedy, but it is reported that they decided to cancel due to difficulties.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.