Comedian Shim Hyung-rae captured public attention on Christmas Eve by staging an impromptu busking performance in Hongdae.
On the night of December 24, Shim Hyung-rae launched a live broadcast titled “Christmas Eve! Come Sing Carols with Young-gu” on his YouTube channel, Younggu TV, entertaining fans with a mix of holiday cheer and nostalgia.
Dressed in his iconic Young-gu costume, along with a Santa hat and earmuffs to fend off the winter chill, Shim performed in front of a microphone, strumming a guitar and singing a variety of Christmas carols and classic songs. Maintaining his signature comedic flair, he engaged the crowd with eye contact and playful banter, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Passersby and devoted fans who gathered spontaneously responded with applause and cheers.
Shim Hyung-rae rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as the beloved Young-gu character on KBS’s Humor No. 1. Today, he continues to connect with fans through his YouTube channel, maintaining the approachable and charming persona that made him a national favorite.
Recently, Shim also revealed that he had undergone a facelift (rhytidectomy). In a video titled “[First Video] Shim Hyung-rae Starts YouTube. I Got My Face Fixed First”, he explained his decision: “It’s not just a face lifting, it’s called a facelift. I wanted to completely remodel my face.” He added, “Celebrities need constant care. Since I’m starting YouTube, I wanted to show my best self.”
Wearing a hospital gown in the video, Shim described the procedure as an extensive surgery that exposed the entire jaw area. “It hurts a lot,” he admitted, “but I did it for my fans. Entertainers must have professionalism. If possible, I want to meet my fans with an even better face.”
With his recent busking performance and YouTube content, Shim Hyung-rae continues to delight fans while staying true to the humor and warmth that have defined his career for decades.
