“SNL Korea” Provokes Discussion with Satire on LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella Event and Various K-Pop Controversies

During a recent episode featuring guest star Kim Sung-kyun, the show created a parody boy group named “RICE,” cleverly satirizing various K-pop scandals.

The main focus of the parody was LE SSERAFIM’s recent controversy at Coachella. The segment, titled “Goa-chella,” humorously referenced the event while emulating Huh Yunjin’s dynamic style of engaging with the audience during performances. This parody closely resembled Yunjin’s actual performance at Coachella, highlighting the girl group’s prominence.

F*ck Seraphim is even parodying the Coachella disaster lol https://t.co/qqZ5mKkUK2 pic.twitter.com/YQUlIlZ6Aw

— Juicy Love (@yqn567895) September 8, 2024

The comedy sketch also included a riff on another recent incident involving ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Jiwoong. In the parody, a member of “RICE” mimics a scenario where he accidentally curses during a video call fansign, reminiscent of Kim Jiwoong’s controversy surrounding an off-camera incident. The character Kyun-K humorously remarks, “Sol, thanks for saying nice things to me. Fighting! F*ck, forget about being an idol, I want to quit.”

In the actual controversy, Kim Jiwoong was reportedly heard using the Korean expletive “ssibal,”meaning “F*ck!”when his camera was inadvertently obstructed. Although his agency subsequently denied the allegations, the incident negatively impacted Kim Jiwoong’s reputation.

The sketches from “SNL Korea” have amassed millions of views across social media platforms like X, though not all viewers appreciate the comedic approach. Critics argue that parodying sensitive moments that affect both idols and their fans raises questions about the appropriateness of such comedic material.

Here are some comments from netizens:

The purpose of satire is to mock; let’s not debate what’s “right.” Foreign audiences would likely find it amusing how careful Korea must be when creating a satirical skit.
Fans are quick to criticize other people’s scandals, but when it comes to their idols, the reaction is different. Haha
Here’s a life lesson: perhaps don’t give people a reason to mock you? Or appreciate that you’re famous enough to be parodied? If you don’t want to be mocked, perform your job well.
Sometimes I think these fans are undercover antis with their reactions.
When did idols become untouchable figures? No one is fabricating lies about your favorites.
You get what you give. Fans aren’t being forced to watch this parody, right?
If they had performed well at Coachella, they wouldn’t be in this position.
Do fans understand the essence of SNL? Why such sensitivity? If SNL parodied another group, they’d probably be rolling on the floor laughing.
There’s no debate about this scene, except from LE’s fans. The rest find it hilarious.
Aww, is HYBE’s little baby upset? Haha
If it were mocking a tragic event it could be deemed inappropriate. But since they made a mistake and it’s being parodied, what’s the issue? Haha
Even the president is subject to parody. Who do these idols think they are, gods?