"SNL Korea Season 2", which gave a lot of laughs by showing various characters was embroiled in controversy that it demeaned the deaf.

The 7th episode of Coupang Play's entertainment show "SNL", which was released on February 12th, featured a news concept reporting controversy over the short track decision of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Actor Jung Sang Hoon interpreted the words of model Jung Hoon, who played the role of a reporter as an AI robot, in sign language.

However, in the video, Jung Sang Hoon did not show proper sign language, but expressed an exaggerated gesture unique actions without filtering and made a ridiculous expression.

The sound of laughter from the audience was inserted into the BGM as he was using sign language in a foolish manner.

When the video was released, netizens were angry at using sign language as a comedy material, saying, "This has crossed the line" and "It is impossible to use the weak as a comedy material".

The reason for demeaning sign language is because there has been a widespread opinion that it is no different than demeaning the deaf who uses sign language.

As the criticism grew stronger, "SNL" said, "We deeply apologize for causing concern to many people, contrary to the production intention, in the process of satirizing the issue of bias in the Beijing Olympics during the 7th episode of Season 2, 'Weekend Update', which aired on February 12", said the official statement.

They continued, "The video has been deleted, and the deletion will be reflected in the main story. In the future, we will do our best to provide a pleasant smile by paying attention to the material and expression in the program production process".

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Singer Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung Jun), who has been banned from entering South Korea for over two decades, continues to express his love for the country and his desire to return.

On March 21, Yoo Seung Jun posted a video on his personal account along with a cryptic caption, saying, “When one door closes, another opens. When one door opens, another closes.”

He continued, “Just because a door has opened doesn’t mean I should leave, and just because one is closed doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to open it. I am simply walking the path my father told me to take. Whether people acknowledge it or not no longer matters to me.”

His hashtags also caught attention, as he included “I love you,” “Bless you,” “South Korea,” “Loved ones,” “Everything will be okay,” and “Korea.” Fans couldn’t help but wonder if he was once again hinting at his hope to return.

Just a few days earlier, on March 18, Yoo Seung Jun had also posted a nostalgic message about his time in South Korea.

He wrote, “December 7, 1989—13 years old (1st year of middle school). The school I attended until the day before I immigrated to the U.S. in Songpa-gu, Oju Middle School, is still the same.”

Along with his message, he shared a video of the school's walls and playground, revealing, “One of my fans filmed my middle school, which I attended until I left for the U.S., and sent me the video.”

The clip also showed scenes of his elementary school, making fans reminisce about his past in Korea.

Yoo Seung Jun was one of the most popular artists in South Korea during the 1990s, but his career took a sharp turn in 2002 when he unexpectedly left for the U.S., renounced his Korean citizenship, and became a U.S. citizen.

This led to widespread backlash, as many saw it as an attempt to evade mandatory military service. As a result, the South Korean government banned him from entering the country.

Since then, he has repeatedly taken legal action in hopes of lifting the ban. Now, with his continued efforts and heartfelt messages about Korea, many are wondering—will he finally be allowed back after 23 years?

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