“SNL Korea” Sparks Debate with Parody of LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella Incident and Other K-Pop Controversies

With actor Kim Sung-kyun as the guest star, the show introduced a parody boy group called “RICE”, using the sketch to poke fun at various K-pop scandals.

One of the main targets of the parody was LE SSERAFIM’s recent controversy at Coachella. The sketch, which they titled “Goa-chella,” made light of the event, even imitating Huh Yunjin’s energetic style of hyping up the audience during performances. The parody closely mirrored Yunjin’s actual introduction at Coachella, bringing attention to the girl group.

The comedy skit also touched on another recent controversy involving ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Jiwoong. In the sketch, a member of “RICE” is seen mimicking a situation where he curses during a video call fansign, reminiscent of Jiwoong’s incident where he was accused of cursing off-camera. In the skit, “RICE” member Kyun-K can be heard saying, “Sol, thanks for saying nice things to me. Fighting! F*ck, forget about being an idol, I want to quit.”

In the real-life incident, Kim Jiwoong was allegedly heard saying the Korean expletive “ssibal” which means “F*uck!” when his camera was covered. His agency later denied the accusations, but the controversy left a mark on the idol’s image.

The “SNL Korea” sketches have gained millions of views on social media platforms like X, but not all viewers are happy with the show’s approach. Many have criticized the decision to parody sensitive moments that have been difficult for both the idols and their fans, questioning whether these controversies should be used as comedic material.

Some netizens’ comments:

• The purpose of satire is to mock, so let’s not argue over what’s “right.” Foreigners would probably laugh until they puke if they knew how “cautious” Korea has to be when deciding to create a satirical skit.
• Their fans are always quick to pounce on other people’s scandals, but when it’s their idol’s scandals, they start crying. Haha
• Here’s a life gift for you… maybe just don’t give people a reason to mock you? Or maybe be grateful that you’re famous enough for someone to want to parody you? What’s the issue here? No one forced those girls to act that way at Coachella. If you don’t want to be mocked, then do your job properly.
• Sometimes I wonder if these people are undercover antis with the way they act.
• Since when did idols become untouchable gods? No one’s making up lies about your faves.
• You reap what you sow. No one’s forcing fans to watch this parody, right?
• If they had performed well at Coachella, they probably wouldn’t be facing this right now.
• Do fans even know what the point of SNL is? Why so sensitive? Bet if SNL parodied another group, you’d be slapping your knees laughing.
• There’s no “debate” over this scene. Except for LE’s fans. Everyone else is laughing their heads off.
• Aww, HYBE’s little baby is upset? Haha
• If it were mocking a tragic event, it could be criticized. But they made a mistake and now it’s being parodied, so what’s the problem? Haha
• Even the president isn’t safe from parody. Who do these idols think they are, God?

Source: Krb