Han River and Hani Mocked as 'Obscenity' by Jeong Nyeon-yi... SNL PD Speaks Out Amid Controversy

Hangang-NewJeans Hani-Jeongnyeon
First Response to Consecutive Parody Controversies
"Will Consider and Reflect on Various Opinions"

On the 26th, Coupang Play's "SNL Korea" Season 6, which aired, was heavily criticized for its obscene parody of the tvN drama "Jeongnyeon-i." [Source=Coupang Play]

Coupang Play's variety show 'SNL Korea' Season 6 has issued a brief statement regarding the parody controversy.

On the 28th, Sports Kyunghyang reported a phone interview with PD Ahn Sang-hwi, who oversees the direction of 'SNL Korea.' PD Ahn said, "Whether satire or parody, I believe it only has meaning if it resonates with many people," adding, "In that sense, if content fails to gain empathy, it means it is not recognized for its value." He continued, "We will carefully listen to the various opinions currently being expressed and strive to reflect them thoughtfully."

Recently, 'SNL Korea' has faced public backlash due to consecutive parody controversies. First, on the 19th, novelist Han Kang, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature, was parodied in an exaggerated manner. Actress Kim Ah-young imitated Han in the 'Weekend Update' segment, which parodies news, portraying her with narrowed eyes and crossed arms, and a calm tone, making the author appear comical. When Kim recited Han's reaction, "I was surprised when I received the news of the award, and after hanging up, I felt a sense of reality and emotion," the audience's laughter was notably emphasized.

On the same day, the 'National Assembly Audit' segment caused discomfort with actress Ji Ye-eun's parody of NewJeans member Hani. She mimicked Hani's awkward Korean accent as a Vietnamese-Australian, saying, "I came to testify (at the National Assembly) because I was bullied at work." Actor Kim Eui-sung joined in, imitating Hanwha Ocean's CEO Jung In-seop (Head of External Cooperation) taking a selfie with Hani. After NewJeans fans protested, calling it "a clear mockery and racial discrimination," Ji Ye-eun closed the comments on her social media accounts.

Furthermore, the broadcast on the 26th also drew criticism, sparking another controversy. Comedian Ahn Young-mi appeared as 'Jeotnyeon-i,' a parody of Yoon Jeong-nyeon (played by Kim Tae-ri) from tvN's 'Jeongnyeon-i.' She sang a modified version of the pansori 'Sarangga' line "Come here, let's play piggyback" as "Come here, let's get naked," accompanied by gestures suggestive of sexual activity. Actress Jung Yi-rang commented, "I can't watch anymore. Just seeing it makes me feel like I'm going to get pregnant." After the broadcast, netizens criticized with comments like "Disgusting," and "Why is SNL like this these days?" However, Coupang Play repeatedly stated through official channels on the 28th that they had "no position" on the matter.