Thought It Was Gone? Korea’s Only Comedy Show Goes Viral with Uncensored R-Rated Cut

Korea’s only traditional comedy program, once thought to have disappeared, has made a triumphant return.

According to a report by Good Data Corporation, KBS’s Gag Concert secured the No. 1 spot in the 2024 non-drama buzz rankings, making it the most talked-about KBS2 non-drama program. It also ranked second in the Sunday non-drama category and sixth overall, proving its strong audience appeal.

Amid a sea of talk shows, variety programs, cooking shows, and baseball entertainment, Gag Concert has stood out, reaffirming the enduring power of classic comedy.

In the individual buzz rankings, comedian Shin Yoon-seung, known for his roles in segments like Defconn, How About a Date? and Australopithecus, ranked ninth among KBS2 non-drama personalities, making him the only comedian to enter the top 10.

Having entertained Sunday night audiences for years, where Korea's veteran comedians first saw the limelight, Gag Concert originally ended in June 2020 after 1,050 episodes. However, after a long hiatus, the show made a comeback in November 2023 and has steadily regained its popularity, delivering laughter to viewers every Sunday night.

Featuring a mix of diverse comedy segments such as Queen of Communication, Grandma Malja, That Song You Know, Simgok Police Station, and You Know, Right?, the show has resonated with audiences of all ages. Its official YouTube channel has also seen explosive growth, surpassing 700,000 subscribers and accumulating over 1.3 billion total views.

The show gained even more buzz on February 9 when comedian Ahn Young-mi (star of Saturday Night Live Korea) made her first Gag Concert appearance in six years. Portraying a street food vendor, she instantly captivated the audience with her signature humor, delivering the line, “I’m not working today.” However, much of her R-rated comedy, including the phrase “Keep going,” was heavily edited for broadcast.

In response, the production team released an uncut version of the segment on Gag Concert’s official YouTube channel, further fueling online discussions.

To reach even more viewers, Gag Concert will be moving its broadcast time earlier, shifting from 10:50 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. starting March 16.

A representative from Gag Concert shared, “Since relaunching in November 2023, we’ve received unwavering support from viewers, and it’s reflected in our strong buzz ranking. This proves there is still high demand for comedy programs, and we will continue to do our best to meet audience expectations.”