• 'SNL Korea' in Hot Water Again for Mocking NewJeans Hanni's Hearing and Han Kang's Nobel Prize

    'SNL Korea' is in trouble again for its controversial sketches.

    In the episode that aired on the 19th, actor Kim Eui-sung guest-starred, while Ji Yeo-eun did a parody of Hanni from NewJeans, who recently appeared as a witness at a national assembly hearing. Kim Ah-young also imitated author Han Kang's acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize.

    Hanni testified at the national assembly on the 15th, discussing workplace bullying within HYBE. She spoke about feeling isolated and shared her hope that no one else, whether seniors, juniors, peers, or trainees, has to face the same situation. Hanni tearfully said, "This can happen to anyone, and I hope that no one else has to go through this. I believe that if we respect each other as human beings, there will be no workplace bullying or ostracism."

    During the sketch, Ji Yeo-eun joked, "I had to appear because I was bullied at work," mimicking Hanni's Vietnamese-Australian accent. Meanwhile, Kim Eui-sung parodied Jeong In-seop, the president of Hanwha Ocean's Geoje plant, who gained attention for taking selfies with Hani.

    After the episode aired, viewers were not happy. Many expressed their frustration, saying things like, "It's upsetting to mock someone who had the courage to speak out," "Imitating a foreign accent is a form of racial discrimination," "Is this satire? It feels more like mockery," and "Making fun of someone else's misfortune is not comedy."

    Han Kang, the first Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, was also a target of parody. Kim Ah-young's imitation of Han Kang during her acceptance speech sparked comments like, "I feel embarrassed just watching," "This is serious," and "Turning a Nobel Prize winner into a punchline is unacceptable."

    'SNL Korea' faced similar criticism in August when Jeon Jong Seo was accused of mocking ordinary people. In that episode, she portrayed a Japanese otaku girlfriend and was criticized for making fun of YouTubers' accents, outfits, and video content.

    Source [1]

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

    On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

    Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

    Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

    Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

    She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

    She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

    Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

    Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

    He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

    He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

    Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

    That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

    He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

    Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

    Source: [1]