From 'Doridori' to 'Son Who Went to PC Bang'... Why Viewers Are Enthralled by SNL's 'Spicy' Political Satire

SNL Gains Popularity for Detailed Politician Portrayals and Bold Satire
Expert: "Satire Targets the Powerful... Must Clearly Define Subjects to Avoid Mocking the Vulnerable"

On the 26th of last month, in the 'Cold Opening' segment of 'SNL Korea' Season 2, actors parodied the presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties and their spouses. Photo by YouTube 'Coupang Play' video capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Coupang Play's original comedy show 'SNL Korea' has become the center of attention day after day with its relentless political satire. The detailed portrayal of presidential candidates and their spouses, along with humorous satire of controversies in the presidential race, is cited as the reason for its popularity.

The second season of SNL, which premiered last month, opened with a 'Cold Opening' segment featuring political satire. In the first Cold Opening episode, the presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties and their spouses were parodied. In particular, actress Joo Hyun-young, who played Kim Geon-hee, attracted attention by perfectly mimicking Kim's hairstyle and speech style.

Actor Kim Min-kyo, who played Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, imitated Yoon's 'head nodding' habit and said, "Seeing me nod like this, one might wonder where your son is." In response, actor Kwon Hyuk-soo, portraying Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, replied, "My son? Maybe he went to a PC bang?" This was a satire on the controversy surrounding Lee's son, who was accused of habitual gambling.

The second Cold Opening episode, released on the 2nd, parodied Kim's public apology regarding allegations of false career records. Joo Hyun-young perfectly imitated Kim's mid-length hair, black suit, and white blouse, saying, "Actually, I am infinitely lacking compared to my husband. When I first met him, I thought he was a stern and scary person because he was taciturn."

This directly borrowed Kim's remarks from a press conference held on the 26th of last month. At that time, Kim said, "When I first met my husband, I thought he was scary because he was a prosecutor. But he always wore the same clothes, was confident, and was a man who generously helped his juniors."

Kim added, "Because of me, my husband is now in a very difficult position," and "I am infinitely lacking compared to my husband. I am very ashamed of my faults in front of my husband Yoon Seok-yeol, whom I love and respect."

In the "Reporter Joo Goes" segment of "SNL Korea" Season 2, released on the 2nd, actress Joo Hyun-young interviewed former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won. Photo by YouTube 'Coupang Play' video capture.

Also, Joo Hyun-young, who became a star as the passionate but clumsy 'intern reporter' character, is meeting politicians through the special presidential election segment 'Reporter Joo Goes.'

In the video released on the 2nd, Joo Hyun-young posed questions to former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won through a 'balance game.' When asked to choose which candidate seemed more likely to win the election between 'a young candidate who acts immaturely' and 'a candidate with no achievements but high approval ratings,' Na chose the former. Joo immediately ordered, "Send a video message to Representative Lee Jun-seok."

She then asked which child Na would choose to raise if she had to pick between 'a son who studies well but likes gambling' and 'a daughter who is pretty but involved in academic fraud.' This question evokes the son of candidate Lee, who was embroiled in habitual gambling controversy, and the daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who was involved in an admission scandal.

Viewers have responded enthusiastically to SNL's political satire. One netizen praised in the comments, "A world where presidential candidates are part of a comedy show?it's delightful and fun." Another said, "It's the top in political satire. It's amazing how they portray characters in such detail."

Experts have positively evaluated the influence of SNL's political satire. Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun said, "One reason why comedy programs like KBS's 'Gag Concert' have disappeared and comedy has become difficult is that satire targeting authoritative and high-ranking figures was blocked, leading to comedy targeting the weak, which caused side effects and discomfort. Increasing satire of the powerful could practically bring very positive energy to Korean comedy," he explained.

However, he warned that care must be taken to avoid descending into mockery or disparagement of the weak. Critic Jung suggested, "Satire should target the powerful. Mixing voices of criticism against the powerful into satire is what functions as true comedy. It is necessary to clearly define the target to prevent it from becoming mockery or disparagement of the weak."