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Legendary S. Korean comedian Nam Sung-nam dies aged 84

August 31, 2015
Comedians Nam Sung-nam, left, and Nam Chul, right (Yonhap)

Comedians Nam Sung-nam, left, and Nam Chul, right (Yonhap)

Legendary South Korean comedian Nam Sung-nam, 84, died Monday in his home, local media reported.

A representative told Yonhap that he died in his sleep of old age, having long suffered from chronic illnesses.

Nam, whose real name is Lee Cheon-baek, was one-half of a top comedy duo with Nam Chul — who passed in 2013 — through the 1960s and 70s.

After performing as a part of a musical troupe, the Nam duo gained recognition through an MBC television program. They were active even through the 2000s, appearing on comedy shows and completing nationwide tours until 2013.

The duo received a commendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2000 for their contribution to Korean comedy and, in 2010, a merit from the prime minister.

Uhm Yong-soo, president of a local comedian association, said Nam performed on stage just 10 days before his passing, in YangYang, Gangwon Province.

Nam is survived by his wife, his son and his daughter.