Comedian Kim Byung-man, well-known for his slapstick comedy show “Master,” has published an autobiography expected to touch many hearts once again.

Kim is one of few Korean comedians using daring performances on stage, not fearing dangerous moves in his quest for laughs. 

In his recent autobiography, he called himself “turtle,” describing his rise to stardom. Titled “I Crawled to Today like a Turtle,” the autobiography unfolds his past stories before he received the spotlight as a comedian, including some shocking episodes during his years of frustration and desperation to become a comedian.

“I experienced the humiliation of washing myself in a public restroom (because I couldn’t afford to take a bath) and once even collected sleeping pills and stood on the edge of a rooftop (to commit suicide),” Kim wrote.

He is now one of the best-known comedians in Korea for his KBS Gag Concert show, and a symbol of perseverance.

His recent performance at Kim Yu-na’s Kiss and Cry show moved the audience. The figure-skating novice tried admirably to learn the sport and performed an entire piece at the end despite a severe ankle injury.

The 36-year-old Kim debuted in 2002 as a KBS comedian after failing many auditions since his early 20s. He started “Master” in 2007 as a short show filling the gaps between regular shows, but his efforts developed the show into one of the most famous comedy programs in Korea.

In more than 250 performances, he hasn’t failed to entertain with performances such as extinguishing a lit candle by shooting arrows and eating excessive amounts of hot and spicy food.

“I crawled to here like a turtle. I couldn’t run, but didn’t rest for a bit and keep crawling,” said Kim, describing the years he’s been through. “I couldn’t afford a break as I am not a person who can rise to stardom in a day. I just crawled to reach my goal.”

He also lectures, and in July he lectured for civil servants at the home affairs ministry and his encouraging comments moved not only officials but the public too.

“In order for a flower to blossom, someone should water and take care of it. I know that I should put more effort in today than when I was starting as a comedian,” he said in the book.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)