[Reporter’s Notebook] Where Has SNL's Bold Political Satire Gone?

'Satire' refers to criticizing individuals or social and political phenomena by using ironic expressions to provoke laughter. It must sharply and playfully address those in power while fulfilling its role and function. 'SNL Korea (SNL),' which started on the cable channel tvN in 2011 and moved to the online video service (OTT) Coupang Play in 2021, gained popularity early on for its bold political satire. President Yoon Seok-yeol appeared during his presidential campaign and said, "Free political satire is SNL's right."

Political satire is SNL's identity and the driving force that has sustained it for over a decade. However, at some point, the main targets of satire?politicians?disappeared, and the show repeatedly depicted celebrities, young adults, and office workers in ridiculous ways to provoke laughter.

'SNL' was criticized for mocking the appearance of Han Kang, a Nobel Prize-winning author, and caricaturing her speech and posture in a ridiculous manner. At a time when the contributions of the first Korean author to write history should have been fully recognized, the parody that seemed to belittle her appearance was disheartening. NewJeans member Hani, who appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's audit, was also parodied. The focus was on imitating Hani's awkward Korean pronunciation and tearful expressions to provoke laughter, despite her being a Vietnamese-Australian national.

'SNL Korea Season 6' screen capture [Photo by Coupang Play]

Comedian Ahn Young-mi parodied Yoon Jeong-nyeon, the protagonist of the tvN weekend drama 'Jeongnyeon-i,' as 'Jeotnyeon-i,' emphasizing her chest with both hands and performing a dance suggestive of sexual activity to elicit laughter. Comedian Jung I-rang responded, "It might help with birth policies." It was a low-level comedy that obscenely parodied a minor, Jeongnyeon-i. If the intention was to criticize birth policies, another target should have been chosen.

Does satire that has lost its humor and is stained with belittlement and mockery have any meaning? Viewers do not empathize with comedy that provokes laughter by belittling socially vulnerable groups rather than those in power. Comedy that hurts someone leaves an uneasy feeling even while laughing. Saying "As long as it's funny" or invoking "freedom of expression" is an outdated mindset.

Strict monitoring before broadcasting to remove parts that may cause discomfort to viewers or are inappropriate for airing is essential. Although 'SNL' is a format created collaboratively by the production team and the crew (cast), it failed to filter out potentially problematic content in advance. Despite repeated controversies, it has not issued any significant apologies or statements.

Although there have been numerous complaints on the National Petition Board requesting sanctions against 'SNL,' the Korea Communications Standards Commission ruled it 'not subject to review.' As an OTT content, 'SNL' is not subject to the current Broadcasting Act but is regulated under the Telecommunications Business Act. OTT content, which is repeatedly embroiled in harmfulness controversies, is truly a lawless zone. It is time to actively revise media-related laws rather than relying on the self-regulation efforts of service providers.