It has been 12 years since the legendary Korean comedian Nam-cheol (real name Yun Seong-no) passed away. His warm cheerfulness and stage performances remain vividly in the memories of numerous juniors.

Nam-cheol passed away on June 21, 2013, due to kidney failure caused by complications from diabetes and hypertension. He was 79 years old. His health rapidly deteriorated, and he left his family after a month of hospitalization.

At that time, the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association noted, "Teacher Nam-cheol passed away on the morning of the 21st. The mortuary was set up at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and the funeral was held on the 23rd." Surviving family members include his wife and son.

Nam-cheol debuted in 1972 as part of the first TBC comedian class and brought laughter to the public through iconic programs such as "Youth Forever," "March of Youth," "Sunday Night Parade," and "Laughter Brings Good Luck." In particular, the duo "Nam Seong-nam and Nam-cheol" represented the 1960s to 1980s comedic era, leaving behind numerous catchphrases and memorable scenes.

Nam-cheol's passing came as a great shock to junior comedians. A wave of mourning followed as they honored their senior and reflected on his achievements, with Nam Seong-nam also crying out at the funeral, "I should have gone first, but he went first." He expressed his profound sadness, saying, "Right now, I feel like I want to follow him." Nam Seong-nam passed away on August 31, 2015.

He was widely recognized for the social value of comedy, receiving the Minister of Culture and Tourism Award at the 7th Korea Entertainment Arts Awards in 2000 and the Presidential Citation at the 2nd Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards in 2011.

Today, 12 years after his departure, juniors still remember his legacy. One junior comedian recalled, "The energy he brought to the stage still makes me emotional when I see it on video," adding, "The roots of our current comedy were established by seniors like Nam-cheol."

[Photo] Provided by the broadcaster, OSEN DB

[OSEN]