Aussie becomes ‘most recognisable foreign face’ in South Korea

An Australian man has hit the big time overseas, as an unlikely reality TV star in South Korea.

Former exchange student Sam Hammington, who speaks fluent Korean, is a big name in comedy after “falling into” show business 13 years ago.

“It wasn’t something that I planned,” Hammington told the ABC.

The 37-year-old was discovered by chance when he was called up to take part in a skit at a live comedy show in Seoul.

“I put my hand up and it was such a novelty when a Korean-speaking foreigner got up,” he said.

“And there were script writers and directors in the audience. And one of them wanted a Korean-speaking foreigner for a show.”

That show has reportedly become one of the highest-rating reality TV shows in the country, elevating Hammington to the most recognisable foreign face in South Korea.

He has a huge fan base as a comedian, actor, and TV and radio presenter, and even had his wedding to long-time Korean girlfriend, Yumi Jung, televised nationally.

Hammington said creating comedy in South Korea can be challenging.

“There's a lot of word play and slapstick. A lot of the sketches wouldn't work in Australia,” he said.

“Sexual innuendo, until recently, is a big no-no and you have to be very careful about North Korea, politics and religion. But self-deprecation is huge.”

According to the ABC, Hammington is the son of Australian casting agent Jan Russ.

Russ helped launch the careers of many Australian stars, including Russell Crowe, Kylie Minogue and Delta Goodrem, during her 25 years casting for Neighbours.