Actor and comedian Craig Robinson sits in an F-15 fighter jet during a USO Holiday tour in South Korea from Nov. 18-22, 2025. (Desiree G. Ware/U.S. Air Force)
Actor and comedian Craig Robinson last visited South Korea in the early 2000s for the premiere of “Dragon Wars,” in which he starred. This time, he returned to connect with troops during the holidays.
Robinson, known for his roles in “The Office” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” brought holiday spirit to troops in South Korea as part of the USO’s holiday tour from Nov. 18-22.
He wanted to help bring joy and comfort to service members spending the holidays away from their families this season.
“If my little presence can make a difference, then I’m so glad I got to do it,” Robinson told Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. “It’s very heartwarming and remarkable to bring some love and energy.”
The USO Holiday Tour is an annual event that brings entertainment and support to service members and their families, featuring performances by musicians, comedians and actors.
Robinson was joined by comedians Chase Durousseau and Jimmy Shin, and together they visited troops at U.S. bases across the country including Camp Bonifas, Camp Casey, Camp Walker, Osan Air Base and Kunsan Air Base.
Comedians Chase Durousseau, Craig Robinson and Jimmy Shin take a photo with service members during a USO Holiday tour in South Korea from Nov. 18-22, 2025. (Desiree G. Ware/U.S. Air Force )
Comedians Chase Durousseau, Craig Robinson and Jimmy Shin take a photo with service members during a USO Holiday tour in South Korea from Nov. 18-22, 2025. (Desiree G. Ware/U.S. Air Force )
At each base, they performed a live comedy show in the evenings for service members and civilians, filling the room with jokes and laughter.
“They were hyped,” Robinson said. “The interaction [with troops] was fantastic.”
The daytimes were filled with action-packed activities. The crew donned a bite suit and participated in a military working-dog demonstration, fired rifles at the range and flew drones.
They even climbed into an F-15 fighter jet, an experience Robinson called tricky and a little scary, joking that getting in and out was a funny challenge for them as “bigger guys.”
“It was exhilarating and so much fun,” Robinson said. “It’s the highlight of my life, really.”
After experiencing firsthand the day-to-day lives and responsibilities of service members, Robinson said he appreciated seeing their “sense of conformity and unity,” despite being away from their loved ones.
“They (troops) all understand, respect and depend on each other,” he said. “They are doing things that I don’t know I have the heart to do. It was such a special thing to be over there.”