• "SNL Korea" Under Fire From Netizens For Degrading The Deaf And Using Sign Language As Comedy Material

    "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".

    Source[1]

  • Song Hye Kyo Outshines Hyun Bin as "The Black Nuns" Takes the #1 Spot in Pre-Sale Rankings, Beating "Harbin"

    Song Hye Kyo’s much-anticipated return to the big screen with The Black Nuns is making waves, as the film shoots straight to the number one spot in overall pre-sale rankings, even beating out Hyun Bin’s Harbin.

    The Black Nuns is a chilling thriller about a group of individuals who perform forbidden rituals to save a boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit. And it’s already generating tons of buzz!

    According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network, as of 11 AM on January 15, The Black Nuns is leading the pack with a 16.4% pre-sale rate, having sold 38,391 tickets in advance. This is a strong indicator of the film’s high pre-release anticipation, even with nine days still left before its official opening.

    With its unique storyline and gripping visual appeal, The Black Nuns is expected to inject fresh energy into the upcoming theater season. Song Hye Kyo has been actively promoting the film, making appearances on tvN's You Quiz on the Block, the web variety show Jeong Jae Hyung's Fairy Table, and sharing vlog videos on the Davichi Kang Min Kyung channel. All of these efforts are driving the film’s rising pre-sale numbers.

    The film is also drawing attention for its star-studded cast, which includes not only Song Hye Kyo but also Jeon Yeo Bin, Lee Jin Wook, and Moon Woo Jin, all of whom deliver impressive performances.

    The Black Nuns is set to hit theaters on January 24, and it looks like it’s already on track to be a massive success.

    Source (1)