"Is this the level of Korean television?"- Fans react following SNL Korea's offensive portrayal of NewJeans' Hanni and Nobel Prize Laureate Han Kang

On October 19, 2024, a South Korean variety show, SNL Korea, was at the center of controversy. This was due to a skit broadcast that many viewers felt crossed the line of acceptable humor. The episode featured parodies of two high-profile figures: Hanni from the popular K-pop group NewJeans, and Han Kang, the 2024 Nobel Prize winner for Literature.

Fans voiced their disapproval, calling the portrayal of these individuals offensive and inappropriate. Netizens believed that the sketch involving Hanni was particularly contentious. The young idol had recently made headlines after appearing at a National Assembly audit on October 15 as a reference witness in a case concerning workplace bullying.

In the parody, actress Ji Ye-eun impersonated Hanni, mimicking her emotional testimony about being ostracized in her company. Many online commenters condemned the skit for trivializing workplace harassment and for portraying Hann in a disrespectful light. A user on X, @tubatu_iq, wrote,

"making fun of a foreigner's pronunciation, and making fun of a woman for winning the Nobel Prize in literature, is this the level of Korean television?"

"It's about workplace harassment and bullying, you making parody and a joke out of it is really disrespectful," an X user wrote.

"Not only Hanni, they also mocking author Han Kang who wins 2024 Nobel prize in literature and who brought pride to their country. How low and stupid they are?," another fan commented.

Netizens criticized the actors for ridiculing Hanni's Korean skills and questioned the treatment of a Nobel winner.

"ALL of these “actresses” and “actors” CANT speak English fluently but they mocking Hanni who has just learned Korean for 3 years? speak English in NEXT parody racists," a netizen mentioned.

"I don't get it why did they mock the Nobel winner? because she is a woman? this country is so funny men,' an X user wrote.

The performance seemingly exaggerated Hanni’s Australian accent and her tearful plea for respect in the workplace, sparking outrage. One of the recurring complaints was that SNL Korea seemed to mock Hanni’s sincerity, with some alleging the accent exaggeration was xenophobic.

Actress Kim Ah-young impersonated the author, mimicking her mannerisms, soft-spoken tone, and posture. However, this also did not sit well with viewers, who found the sketch more disrespectful than comedic.

"Take a look at misogyny in Korea. Korean women are ridiculed, even when they receive a Nobel Prize," a netizen commented.

"is this something snl should be proud of? in being a racist and xenophobic," an X user mentioned.

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Netizens claim SNL Korea mocked Han Kang's personality in the latest episode

Saturday Night Live Korea originally premiered in 2011. It is the South Korean adaptation of the long-running American sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Known for its irreverent humor and satirical take on current events, the show has built a reputation for pushing boundaries.

However, this is not the first time SNL Korea has been involved in controversy. A few months earlier, the show was under fire for a sketch mocking the popular girl group LE SSERAFIM’s performance at Coachella.

While parody and satire are central elements of SNL Korea's format, many viewers believe that the latest sketches missed the mark, turning what could have been smart commentary into tasteless caricature.

Netizens also pointed out that mocking a figure like Han Kang, who had brought international recognition to South Korea, only diminished the country’s proud achievement on the world stage. The growing backlash and hashtags calling for an apology to Hanni highlight a deepening dissatisfaction with SNL Korea's recent content.

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Meanwhile, there is no official statement from SNL Korea addressing the accusations.