"Terrible Level"... SNL Faces Backlash for Exaggerated Imitation of Nobel Laureate Han Kang

Exaggerated Expressions and Speech Imitation
"Mockery of Nobel Literature Prize Winner"
NewJeans Hani Imitation Sparks 'Racial Discrimination' Controversy

'SNL Korea' sparked controversy for mocking novelist Han Kang through parody. [Source=Coupang Play]

Novelist Han Kang became the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, but Coupang Play's 'SNL Korea' sparked controversy by parodying and mocking her.

In the 8th episode of 'SNL Korea' Season 6, released on the 19th, a comedy segment was presented based on an interview scene with the author. Actress Kim Ah-young appeared in the 'Weekend Update' corner, which parodies the news, sporting a hairstyle similar to that of Han Kang. She then exaggeratedly mimicked Han’s half-closed eyes, crossed arms, and calm tone of voice. Additionally, she recited Han’s acceptance remarks verbatim, saying, "When I received the call informing me of the award, I was surprised at first, and after hanging up, I felt a sense of reality and emotion." The laughter of the live audience was also emphasized during the scene.

After the broadcast, viewers responded coldly. Netizens expressed doubts and anger about the show, saying things like, "Are they sane to mock a Nobel Prize in Literature winner like this?", "The level of comedy is so low it's pathetic," "I don’t understand why Han Kang should be mocked like this when she did nothing wrong," and "Make satire about something wrong that was done."

'SNL Korea' parodied NewJeans Hanni's attendance at the National Assembly audit. [Source=Coupang Play]

Earlier that same day, the 'National Assembly Audit' corner also became embroiled in controversy. Actress Ji Ye-eun imitated NewJeans member Hani, who recently appeared as a witness at the Environment and Labor Committee’s national audit, causing discomfort. She mimicked Hani’s awkward Korean accent as a Vietnamese-Australian and said, "I came to testify because I was bullied at work," even performing a crying act. Actor Kim Ui-sung joined in, parodying Hanwha Ocean’s President Jeong In-seop (Head of External Cooperation Office) taking a photo with Hani.

Netizens were outraged, calling it "a rude act toward Hani, who courageously spoke out about workplace bullying." Some NewJeans fans visited Ji Ye-eun’s social media accounts and left comments such as "This is blatant racial discrimination" and "Apologize to Hani." Currently, Ji Ye-eun has closed the comment section on her social media. On the other hand, some viewers expressed opinions like, "They just imitated the people who became a hot topic; it doesn’t seem like mockery," and "The similar tone and appearance made it feel interesting."