{
  "id": 1294954,
  "title": "Ex-comedian Pyo In-bong becomes homeless-serving pastor near Seoul Station",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/ex-comedian-pyo-in-bong-becomes-homeless-serving-pastor-near-seoul-1294954",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T15:42:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/20260817/ex-comedian-pyo-in-bong-becomes-homeless-serving-pastor-near-seoul-station"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former comedian Pyo In-bong, known for his role as nurse Pyo in the sitcom \"Soonpoong Clinic,\" has transitioned to a life of service near Seoul Station. He now bakes and distributes bungeoppang, fish-shaped pastries, to homeless individuals in the area. This shift in career and purpose became evident during an episode of MBN's \"Exclusive World,\" which showcased Pyo's remarkable transformation.\n\nPyo's journey from a successful comedian to a pastor and volunteer began eight years ago when he decided to leave his comedy career behind. His wife played a significant role in this change, suggesting that they extend a helping hand to the homeless during the cold season. In 2024, the couple started volunteering at Seoul Station, offering free food, including their homemade bungeoppang, to those in need.\n\nPyo fondly recalled his past success, noting that he once earned 50 million won ($35,000) in a single day. However, he now focuses on a new life dedicated to service and cultural missionary work. His current endeavors include running a performance planning and production company, while he continues to serve as a pastor and make a positive impact on the lives of homeless individuals in Seoul.",
  "summary": "Former comedian Pyo In-bong has taken on a new role, making \"bungeoppang\" or fish-shaped pastries, near Seoul Station and serving them to homeless people. Thursday's episode of MBN’s \"Exclusive World\" highlighted Pyo’s dramatically changed life. Pyo, who rose to fame playing nurse Pyo in the sitcom \"Soonpoong Clinic,\" was also a member of the comedy group Tintin Five alongside Hong Rok-gi, Kim…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Ex-comedian Pyo In-bong becomes homeless-serving pastor near Seoul Station",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/ex-comedian-pyo-in-bong-becomes-homeless-serving-pastor-near-seoul",
        "published": "2026-08-16T15:32:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}