• "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]

  • Kim Soo Hyun’s Agency Claps Back at Late Sulli’s Brother’s Claims, Reveals Bed Scene Was Always Part of the Script for ‘Real’

    Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has spoken up about the recent controversy involving the late Sulli and her bed scene in the 2017 movie Real.

    On April 2, Gold Medalist released an official statement saying, “From the very beginning, the role of Song Yoohwa, played by the late Sulli, included a bed scene. This was clearly stated during casting, and the actress had to be comfortable with it.”

    They explained, “Just like job listings mention necessary qualifications, this role required exposure, and that was made clear in advance. If these things are only discussed after casting, it can create unnecessary pressure on the actor.”

    The agency also emphasized, “Sulli and her agency were fully aware of the bed scene before she accepted the role. The script clearly described the level of exposure required, and the contract also included these details.”

    Addressing rumors about a body double, they stated, “There was no body double for the acting. A ‘standing actor’ was only used during rehearsals to help with movement cues.”

    Gold Medalist also included statements from Real’s assistant director Kim Joong Wook and script supervisor Lee Jun Hyun, confirming, “No actor was ever forced into doing a bed scene or nudity. That would never happen on set.”

    As for claims that they contacted Sulli’s mother, the agency denied it and responded to her brother’s accusations, saying, “It’s understandable to have concerns about things heard at the funeral. However, bringing up something from six years ago and spreading false information as if it were personally witnessed is hard to accept.”

    Finally, they urged people to stop spreading false rumors, saying, “Many people worked hard on Real, and these baseless accusations are hurtful. Also, there have been false rumors targeting Kim Soo Hyun recently. We sincerely ask for an end to speculative reports and misinformation.”

    This comes after the late Sulli’s older brother, Choi, raised concerns on March 28 about the bed scene in Real, demanding answers from Kim Soo Hyun and director Lee Sa Rang.

    Source: [1]