Funnyman Danny Cho is back in Korea, and has two shows this weekend for local comedy fans.
Returning after a tour last summer, Cho will join Stand-up Seoul at the Rocky Mountain Tavern in Itaewon on Friday. On Saturday he will play at nearby King Club in “Funkin’ Funny,” a night of comedy and music with Pinnacle TheHustler and DJ Tom Slick.
Cho told the Korea Herald that he came to Korea mainly for vacation, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Seoul with his friends Far East Movement.
He said that on this visit he wanted to get beyond the partying and the big cities.
“There are a lot of things I haven’t done yet. I would like to do the hiking stuff and temple stays, so hopefully I will get to do some of that stuff while I’m out here,” he explained.
“The thing I really want to experience is to get a feel for all parts of Korea, not just Seoul. So hopefully I can get to the countryside.
“Also, I’d love to eat fish next to the beaches. Try out some food that I can’t find anywhere else. But most importantly be sober enough remember it all.”
For the shows, Cho promises his usual style, but he has some extra jokes for the local audience.
“People can always count on me being crass and a bit vulgar. I do have some material and stories that I would like to share about my time in Korea,” he said.
“If people are really curious (about) what goes through the head of a comedian when faced with interesting situations, they probably should come to my shows.”
One thing Cho is well known for is his impression of Kim Jong-il. He used to make videos poking fun at Kim, with a message at the end reminding people of the serious situation in the North. But the communist leader’s death is not much comfort to Cho.
“His death doesn’t mean that the people of North Korea will live in peace and prosperity,” he said.
“People shouldn’t die of hunger. Makes me feel bad for being such a fat ass.”
Nevertheless, Cho will continue undaunted: “As long as the comedy has a heart, I think you will still see me doing work.”
Compering the Saturday show will be Albert Escobedo, who helped set up the event in order to provide a bigger venue.
“It’s definitely going to be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in Korea,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to put a show like this together for a long time and have never been able to find the right venue or combination of comedy and music that I’ve always wanted to do.”
Pinnacle said he was nervous but excited about the show, saying he wanted to make it a bit different to other shows here.
“The clubs here can be a bit monotonous,” he said. “We wanted to do something that’s a little bit more enjoyable for everybody.”
He’ll be appearing with live band Ready for Deportation, a collaboration that is still fairly new, but Pinnacle says has had a great reception.
“We’ve been playing for a few months and its time to move it up a little bit,” said Pinnacle.
“You’ll definitely hear some original music but we have some really dope surprises for the crowd, especially for the Korean audience.”
He said he and the band also planned an onslaught of shows and a mix-tape with a more relaxed feel than usual.
The Friday show at Rocky Mountain Tavern starts 9 p.m. Tickets are 15,000 won on the door. Saturday’s show at King club runs from 8:30 p.m. till 2 a.m. Tickets are 20,000 won, but tables are also available. To reserve tickets or tables contact info@planethustle.com.
Stand up Seoul will hold its regular night Thursday at Rocky Mountain Tavern from 9 p.m., where you can see some of the acts who will support Cho. Entry is 5,000 won.
By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)
A previous version of this article said that the Thursday show would be free. We regret the error.
