Lee Ju-il

Quick Facts: Who was Lee Ju-il?

Subject:

Lee Ju-il

Known for:

Pioneering South Korean comedian, actor, and politician known as the "King of Comedy."

Born:

1940-10-24

Died:

2002-08-27

Century / Era:

1940s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lee Ju-il (Korean: 이주일; October 24, 1940 – August 27, 2002), birth name Jung Ju-il, was a South Korean comedian, actor, and politician who served as the Representative of the Democratic Liberal Party for Guri Gyronggi-do from 1992 to 1996. He was called "King of Comedy" in the 1980s. Lee Ju-il was born on October 24, 1940, in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do as fifth generation only son of his family. He graduated from Chuncheon high school and completed Business School at Kyungwon University. He started his comedian career at Defense Agency for Public Information Services in 1960 and debuted as a host of morning star performance group in 1965.

Career & Major Achievements

Lee made his debut on television with TBC's 'It's Saturday, everybody', and became very popular from MBC's 'If you laugh, blessings will come your way.' His ugly looks were a big obstacle to making a debut on television, but it became his strong selling point, then finally he is called as 'King of Comedy' in the 1980s. He created many popular culture languages such as 'I am sorry for my bad looks', and many people imitated his 'duck dance' to the tune of the song, Susie Q for a long time. Along with comedian Lee Sang-hae he became a part of popular duo of comedy programs in television. Lee was elected to the 14th Korean National Assembly in 1992. He finished political career commenting, "I learned a lot about comedy", and returned to his comedian career in 1996.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Lee returned to television with late night talk show, Lee Ju-il Tonight Show on SBS. The show was very popular for his satire and humor on politics, business communities, society, and culture. He retired from his career after finishing the 100th episode of Lee Ju-il Tonight Show. Lee served as the president of sponsors on Korea National Council on Social Welfare in 1985. He also served as a founding president of Korea Comedy Research Society, an honorary chairperson of the Acting division of the Entertainer Association, and a vice-president of BBS Korea.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1940 (1940-10-24): Birth of Lee Ju-il — Pioneering South Korean comedian, actor, and politician known as the "King of Comedy."
2. 1960: 1960 Milestone — He started his comedian career at Defense Agency for Public Information Services in 1960 and debuted as a host of morning star performance group in 1965.
3. 1985: 1985 Milestone — Lee served as the president of sponsors on Korea National Council on Social Welfare in 1985.
4. 1992: 1992 Milestone — Lee was elected to the 14th Korean National Assembly in 1992.
5. 1996: 1996 Milestone — He finished political career commenting, "I learned a lot about comedy", and returned to his comedian career in 1996.
6. 2002 (2002-08-27): Passing & Historical Legacy — Lee Ju-il passed away on 2002-08-27, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Lee Ju-il

“I am sorry for my bad looks.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lee Ju-il

True or False: “Lee Ju-il's initial struggles with his appearance were overcome by turning it into a unique comedic asset.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): His 'ugly looks,' which initially hindered his television debut, ultimately became a strong and recognizable selling point for his comedy.

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• 1940 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1940
• October 24 (10-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 24
• 2002 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2002
• August 27 (08-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Ju-il