Veteran comedians Eom Yong-su, Bae Yeong-man and Kim Jeong-ryeol to headline Seoul comedy festival Friday

Some of South Korea's most celebrated veteran comedians are coming together to bring laughter to Seoul residents.

The 2026 Seoul Comedy Festival will be held Friday at 5 p.m. at the Mapo-gu Office auditorium in Seoul. Sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the event was organized to give residents easy access to high-quality comedy and create a space where families can laugh and connect.

Taking the stage are longtime fan favorites Eom Yong-su, Bae Yeong-man and Kim Jeong-ryeol, joined by comedian-singer Kim Hyeon-yeong and singer-actress Kim Hye-yeong. Hwang Eun-jeong, who has built a career spanning broadcast and live performance, will host the roughly two-hour show.

The festival is built around three programs: "Smile and Fortune Will Come," a women's trio show and a message-wall stand-up comedy segment.

Opening the night, "Smile and Fortune Will Come" showcases the seasoned comedic craft of Eom, Bae and Kim Jeong-ryeol, reviving the warmth and humor of a bygone era. The set aims to stir nostalgia in older audiences while offering younger generations a fresh taste of classic Korean comedy.

The women's trio show brings together Kim Hyeon-yeong, Kim Hye-yeong and Hwang Eun-jeong, each drawing on their distinct backgrounds in entertainment to deliver a lively, chemistry-driven performance full of wit and personality.

Closing the night, the message-wall stand-up segment breaks down the barrier between the cast and the audience. Comedians will riff on stories and messages submitted by audience members on the spot, turning each moment into a spontaneous burst of laughter.

The festival blends classic comedy with the distinct flair of its female performers and audience-driven content. Rather than a passive viewing experience, it is designed as a shared urban comedy celebration where cast and crowd build the laughs together.

The 2026 Seoul Comedy Festival runs Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mapo-gu Office auditorium, with capacity for 500 people. Admission is free.