In celebration of their first anniversary in Seoul, Grevin Museum will recreate South Korean MC Yoo Jae-suk in a life-size wax figure. He is the first comedian and television host to have a figure created and displayed in the famous wax museum.
Grevin Seoul Museum has officially made this announcement through PR company Hahm Shout last July 6, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The Korea Bizwire has learned through a Grevin Seoul Museum official that Yoo is the first Korean comedian or host to be chosen unanimously. She added, "celebrity models of our waxworks are selected by the Grevin Academy, which consists of experts from the culture and entertainment industries, based on an individual's popularity both domestically and internationally, and the cultural impact he or she has on people."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Grevin Academy is a selection committee by the museum which is composed of experts including critics and reporters who picks artists based on the following criteria: cultural influence, public recognition and preference.
Yoo is highly popular in South Korea. He hosts a number of variety programs including MBC's flagship show "Infinite Challenge" and SBS' "Running Man" which is widely popular among Asian countries. One of South Korea's top comedians and TV celebrity, the 42-year-old comedian has earned the nickname "Nation's MC" or "MC of the Nation".
Korea JoongAng Daily has learned that last June 29, Yoo met artists from Grevin Museum in Paris, France for body measurements of the clay sculpture to make the mold. Moreover, it is reported that it will take a team of 15 people and around six months to complete the life-size wax figure.
The first comedian and TV host to have a wax figure created and displayed in Grevin Seoul Museum, Yoo joins other South Korean celebrities such as actors Kim Soo-hyun and Lee-Min ho, Olympic figure skater Kim Yun and singers Psy and G-Dragon of Big Bang.
The wax museum which is known for recreating influential celebrities in wax figures was established in 1182 in Paris, France. In July, 2015, Grevin Museum branched out in South Korea and opened a museum in Euljiro, central Seoul.
Here is a video of Yoo Jae-suk in a recent episode of "Running Man".