Comedian Kim Young-chul

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Kim Young-chul started off as a comedian, with a natural ability of making people laugh and an expertise in impersonating other stars. But now, he's wearing a new hat: the host of an English program ``Let's Speak Korean.''

He's among the growing breed of ``multi-entertainers.'' While actors have released albums and singers have crossed over to the big screen, 32-year-old Kim has paved his path toward English.

``Being unique meant being better off. I wanted to find my own specialty, a comedian who can speak fluent English. But this doesn't mean English will take up 100 percent of my life,'' Kim told The Korea Times.

Although he was comfortable enough to speak several sentences in English during the interview, the offer of co-hosting an English program aimed to help foreigners learn Korean was a challenge.

``If it was a 50 minute program, I would have said no. The producers and crew told me that it was okay to make mistakes, but it still took me a long time to make my decision (to host it),'' said Kim.

``Let's Speak Korean'' is a program aired on ArirangTV, an all-English broadcast. English lecturer and co-host Lisa Kelley will introduce important Korean terms, while Kim will offer easy-to-understand sketches and examples.

``There will also be a sitcom that will show the real use of the expressions. ArirangTV wanted me to become a role model. I've never studied abroad, but look at me. I'm teaching Korean in English!'' he laughed.

This is not the first time for Kim to show his English skills to fans, for he published his book ``Brave Young-chul English,'' and gave lectures at universities. He is also planning to attend the 26th Just for Laughs festival held at Montreal, Quebec next month.

When asked of his past in learning English, Kim quoted the words of famous American poet Maya Angelou.

``At a talk show, Angelou said if you want to change something change it, but if you can't, change your attitude and don't complain. There is a certain phase that needs to be crossed when learning English. It's hard to be consistent, but onc　e you've passed that phase, it gets easier,'' said Kim.

So what is the most important factor in learning a new language?

``Practice makes perfect. Yes, it's what we always hear but it's so true. Vocabulary is very important to learners. Looking at it three times and thirty times makes a big difference,'' he said.

Kim added the importance of patterns. When learning a language, for example Korean, try to memorize the patterns of a certain expression.

``For instance, `maseyo' means `don't do something.' Use it. `Haji maseyo (don't do it),' `meokji maseyo (Don't eat it),' and `geokjeong maseyo (Don't worry).' And most importantly, have fun with it,'' he added.

The next goal for the popular comedian, author, and co-host?

``I'm dreaming of performing stand up comedy in English at perhaps a small theater in New York, or maybe even Carnegie Hall. I can imagine myself starting with `ladies and gentlemen.

``Many people say I'm better than they expected. This has given me confidence. I've always been a `big mouth,' which helped me learn English, and I'm planning to stay that way,'' Kim said excitedly.

``Let's Speak Korean'' airs Monday-Friday, 12:15 p.m. on Arirang TV.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr