One interesting thing about entertainment is how all its subsectors are in a way, intertwined. There has been a global increase in the popularity of South Korean entertainment, particularly in music through K-Pop with music acts like BTS. This increased interest in the country’s music has spilled to other entertainment options it has to offer, which has inevitably resulted in the increasing popularity of comedian Yoo Jae Suk, outside of his country.
Just as Steve Harvey, Dave Chappelle, and Kevin Hart are nationally recognized icons in the American comedy industry, so is Yoo Jae Suk who has starred in some of South Korea’s top television shows like Happy Together and Running Man. Now that his career is witnessing global recognition, there has been an increased level of interest in him even beyond his day job.
The Unfruitful Years After Abandoning College
A lot of people drop out of higher education learning, often for a lack of focus, but in the case of Yoo Jae Suk, he couldn’t complete his higher education because he became too busy as a comedian.
Suk, after much thought, decided to turn his quick wit and likeability into a career in comedy. Now, he is listed among the many young South Korean celebrities who have found incredible success in the entertainment world, but that did not happen immediately.
The firstborn of three, Yoo Jae Suk began his career at KBS Comedian Festival, appearing on television for the first time as an up and coming comedian. He made a solid impression during his debut but was unable to translate it into major recognition at the time. Yoo Jae Suk even auditioned as a gagman and participated in many gag shows.
Comedy Finally Started Paying off Big in 2002
For 9 long years, he continued working as a comedian underground until his time came in 2002 when he was selected to host Live and Enjoy Together.
The climb to the summit was then eventually sealed by another hosting gig, The Crash of MCs. His early days weren’t easy but they would become a precious experience to the popular MC.
Since Yoo Jae Suk, who is known for his observational, parody, and slapstick comedy gained prominence, he has hosted several shows, including Variety programs like Infinite Challenge, Happy Together Friends, Come to Play, Running Man, Two Yoo Project Sugar Man and a couple of others.
Of that lot, one that has been known to bring him a lot of money is Running Man, which has been nominated for 79 awards and won 56 as of 2019.
Yoo reportedly received about $12,000 per episode as a starting salary which clearly indicates that he was paid way higher than other cast members of Running Man. That paycheck no doubt increased as the show progressed.
There are reports that Yoo Jae Suk earned roughly $8,500 as an appearance fee per episode of MBC’s Infinite Challenge, and KBS2’s Happy Together. The comedian has also earned big from his role in the Gag Family Concert, Banjun Drama, and KBS Great Friends.
He is considered one of the leading comedians in South Korea with hosting qualities that have seen him achieve the top spot in a Gallup Poll of comedians in South Korea for a record six consecutive times.
Outside of his variety shows and hosting responsibilities, he has starred in films like Bee Movie, White Tuft, the Little Beaver, and TV drama shows like Yi San and Banjun Drama.
Comedy, Acting, and Other Income Sources Has Made Yoo a Millionaire
Yoo’s passion for comedy has earned him lots of wealth and accolades. Having been actively working in the industry since 1991, he has appeared in over 30 television and film projects.
From variety shows to scripted dramas, Yoo Jae Suk has spread his tentacles across different projects in South Korean entertainment enough to earn him a net worth of $11 million.
He is listed among the highest-paid television personalities in Korea and one of the most in-demand endorsers.
One undeniable source of good income to Yoo is the internationally celebrated ‘Gangnam Style’ music video which he appeared alongside PSY.
With over 2 billion views and about $2 million coming from Youtube adverts alone, the music video has not only made PSY rich but as many that appeared in it, including Yoo.
According to Forbes’ 2014’s calculation, the hit track may have gained about $8 million to $10 million should other revenue streams including sales of the track on iTunes, live shows, endorsements, be taken into consideration.
Yoo Jae Suk is sitting pretty with a net worth of $11 million but has also done well to give back to society. He is a recognized philanthropist who regularly donates to different causes.
The Successful Comedian Also Has A Solid Family Life
There is beauty in having a successful career that can be shared with the people you love. Those who are a part of your real self, and are there for you no matter what. In Na Kyung-eun, Yoo Jae Suk has that. He has been married to her since the 6th of July, 2008.
Like Jae Suk, Na Kyung-eun works in the entertainment industry; she is an announcer on the popular South Korean network, MBC. She previously worked with her husband on the show, Infinite Challenge.
Na Kyung-eun who is 9 years younger than Yoo Jae-suk first met the comedian at the television program Infinite Challenge and according to reports, she first approached him, telling him how long she has been his fan.
After their first meeting, they exchanged phone numbers and the rest is history. Their relationship flourished right from the start down to when they officially married in 2008.
Since they got married, their love and family have been blessed with two children – a son who was born on the 1st of May, 2010, and a daughter who was born on the 19th of October, 2018. The children are named Yoo Ji-ho and Yoo Na-eun respectively. Despite his very busy schedules, Yoo still endeavors to make out time to parent his kids.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7u7PRZ6WerF%2Bau3DDyKSgaGpgZ35urYybqZ6Zm5m8uLqMqJ1msZ%2BkequtxGaqrqOjYrumwIywpqusmGKur7CMnZytmZmhwG6twaisrWWYnsBuw8ifnGamkWK4usHNoGSerZ5k