Comic Duo `Makdong-i& Bishil-i,` Back on Stage

Respected two old comedians - Bae Sam-ryong who is known for his faltering steps and Gu Bong-suh called darling boy - will be back on stage for this Christmas time.

The two 76 years-old slapstick comedians met each other at a theater outside Seoul in the 1940s and served in the army as performers together.

Making their first nationwide debut at `Smile and Be Happy!,` an MBC series in 1968, they became a comic duo with style. Bae invented `leg-shaking` dance and a fool’ images and Gu came up with a gentle smile and clumsy man images.

Bae was recently hospitalized for respiratory malfunction. He has recovered however, and is expected to leave hospital on the 16th. ˝Now I am a new person with all those medical examinations on my stomach and intestines,˝ said Bae jokingly.

The duo will be on stage in Rivera Hotel, Seoul at 7 p.m. on the 24th for a dinner show titled `Fun Christmas Big Show.`

They already appeared in musical drama `Remember Those Good and Old Times` earlier in May, drawing applauses from old fans. They will not be paid for the dinner show this time and proceeds will be sent to Changinwon, a facility for the handicapped located in Yangpyong, Gyeonggi-do. ˝I feel so happy that I can help someone by this age,˝ said Bae.

The show will reproduce the 1970’s hit comedy series such as `Barbers on the Street,` in which a barber (Gu) and his assistant (Bae) fumbled on clients and each other, and `Drink with Vinegar.` Bae will also have his own unique fashion show later on the stage.

˝Comedy is about a confused and perplexed countryman who visits Seoul for the first time rather than playing with actions and languages,˝ Bae said.

Lee Young-ja, a young-generation comedian, will also join the show. ˝They are respected comedians who set an example for young-generation actors,˝ she said. Singer Kim Sang-hee known for her song `Mr. Bald,` Hong Hae and Nam Chun, a hit duo from the 1970’s theater show age will also make their appearances.

Tickets sell for 140,000 won. For inquires, call 02-541-6447,8.

heo@donga.com