Travel
Get ready to laugh: The 12th Busan International Comedy Festival kicks off Aug. 23
Haps Magazine Korea
August 20, 2024
(Image: Busan International Comedy Festival Organizing Committee)
Running from August 23rd to September 1st, the 12th Busan International Comedy Festival is set to light up various venues across the city, including the Busan Cinema Center and the Busan Arts Center.
As Asia’s premier comedy festival, BICF introduces a new program this year — the ‘Comedy Film Festival.’
This segment will spotlight the evolution of Korean comedy films and explore their future.
Esteemed figures such as director Jang Hang-jun, Cineplay editor-in-chief Joo Sung-chul, and veteran comedian Jeon Yu-seong will be in attendance. Executive Director Kim Jun-ho shared the inspiration for the event, noting that he envisioned a similar platform for Korean comedy after visiting the Okinawa International Film Festival.
The opening ceremony promises a star-studded lineup, featuring Bukofe’s iconic ‘Blue Carpet’ event, a performance by the long-standing group ‘Koyote,’ and DJ New Jinsnim. Fire stunts, performances by popular YouTuber Im Woo-il, and MCs Yoo Se-yoon and Jang Dong-min are set to entertain the crowd.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the ‘Lee Bong-won Recital,’ celebrating the 40th anniversary of comedian Lee Bong-won. Joining him on stage will be comedy legends Kim Hak-rae, Jeon Yu-seong, and Choi Yang-rak, delivering classic routines like ‘Donggeoman’ and ‘Sok Sikkeumseu.’
Top Korean comedians and international acts will also take the stage. Performers include YouTube stars from the ‘Short Box’ team, the ‘Gag Concert’ crew, and the ‘Mandam Assemble’ team.
International acts like ‘Tape Face,’ from America’s Got Talent, and the ‘Yoshimoto Owarai Show,’ which featured in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will add global flair to the festival.
This year, BICF will also honor its history with a special event on August 27th: the unveiling of the ‘Lighthouse of Laughter’ in Yurari Square, Jung-gu. The Lighthouse, completed in 2021, symbolizes Bukofe’s mission to spread joy, much like a lighthouse guiding ships through the dark.
Executive Director Kim expressed his gratitude to Busan’s citizens for their ongoing support, inviting everyone to join in the laughter. “Laughter is a universal language,” he said. “I hope many people come to the opening ceremony and become one with laughter.”
Tickets for the festival are priced at 30,000 won and can be reserved through Interpark Ticket.
The festival will also feature a unique ‘Gag Pay’ performance, where attendees pay based on the amount they laugh, using facial recognition technology.
For more details, visit the Busan International Comedy Festival website.
(Image: City of Busan)
Event Information
Period: Friday, August 23 – Sunday, September 1, 2024
Opening Ceremony: August 23, 7 p.m. Outdoor Theatre, Busan Cinema Center
Venue: Busan Cinema Center, around Busan
Website: bicf.kr