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89 K orea’s first-ever International Comedy Competition is set to showcase Korea’s burgeoning stand-up scene on Aug. 30 at Bull & Barrel in Itaewon. A regular host for comedy and theatrical productions, the ample space and layout make the popular bar one of the best options for this kind of event. The contest is limited to 10 performers, selected after an appli- cation process held throughout July. The judges’ selections were based on the performers’ bios, performance history and (most im- portantly) video samples of their stand-up skills. Though entry was open to anyone, it was expected that most performers would likely be from Korea, with possibly one or two from Hong Kong or China. The competition itself will be divided into three rounds. Round one consists of all 10 performers, who will each have four minutes to show their stuff. The second bout will give the five top comedians five more minutes to woo the crowd. Finally, three finalists will have six minutes to make their final performances shine. Given the mul- tiple-round nature of the competition, each comedian must have several short sets prepared. Although the competition is not officially associated with Stand Up Seoul, some of the judges may be from the group. The per- formances will be judged on the following criteria: material, stage presence, delivery, technique, audience response, audience rap- port and each judges’ “gut feeling” about the performer. A combination of judges’ opinions and audience feedback will determine who goes on to the subsequent rounds, with ballots pro- vided to the audience members for voting. The prize for first place is 200,000 won in cash. The runner-up will receive a 50,000 won gift certificate for Bull & Barrel. There will be other prizes and awards for some of the other contestants, to be announced at a later date. Live comedy has been undergoing a sort of renaissance in the country since Brian Aylward founded Stand Up Seoul in 2009. Aside from that, numerous open mic nights have sprung up not only in the capital, but in places like Busan and Daegu as well. It was actually from a competition in Daegu that local comedian Dan Wiberg got the idea to hold the upcoming event in Seoul. He hopes to turn the competition into a yearly event, if all goes well. Given that Wiberg is getting married on the peninsula in the not-too-distant future, he thinks he’ll definitely be in Korea long enough to try to help turn it into an annual institution. “The comedy scene in Korea (specifically Seoul and Busan) is alive and really damn funny,” he says. “I hope this event helps to showcase their talents. If all goes well, we’ll do it again in 2015.” GrooveCast GrooveCast host Chance Dorland talks with Dan Wiberg about the event and the comedy scene in Korea. Check out the podcast at groovekorea.com. MorE INFo j First Seoul International Comedy Competition When Aug. 30 at 9:30 p.m. Where Bull & Barrel in Itaewon, Itaewon Station, line 6, exit 4 Price 7,000 won to help cover performer prizes Email SeoulComedyCompetition@gmail.com Website seoulcomedycompetition.wordpress.com or fb.com/seoulcomedycompetition