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Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
[팟캐스트] (685) 코미디 섭렵하는 대선 후보자들
진행자: 최정윤, Tannith Kriel Satire, selfies, and 'SNL': Korean presidential hopefuls dive into entertainment politics 기사 요약: 대선 앞두고 엔터테인먼트에 뛰어드는 후보자들, 풍자, 셀카, SNL을 섭렵하며 표심 공략 [1] Han Dong-hoon, a leading presidential contender and former chair of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, became the talk of the nation this week ahead of an appearance alongside his doppelganger on "SNL Korea" — the local adaptation of the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live". contender: 후보자 talk of the nation: 장안의 화제 [2] The buzz started Tuesday when Han posted a photo on Facebook with comedian Jung Sung-ho, known for his spot-on impersonations of the candidate. In the image, Jung mimics Han's signature hairstyle, glasses and gestures as the two share an awkward glance inside a convenience store. The segment had not yet aired as of press time, but the photo ignited chatter across social media and news platforms. spot-on: 딱 맞는, 정확한 impersonation: 흉내 [3] 'The broadcaster approached us first,' said an official from Han's campaign. 'With the election coming up, they clearly saw ratings potential. Han also saw it as a good opportunity for exposure. Especially with satire, you can't avoid politically sensitive themes — and if you can't avoid them, sometimes the best strategy is to confront them head-on.'
Korea Herald
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Satire, selfies, and SNL: Korean presidential hopefuls dive into entertainment politics
With June 3 election looming, candidates blur lines between comedy and campaigning to win hearts — and views Han Dong-hoon, a leading presidential contender and former chair of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, became the talk of the nation this week ahead of an appearance alongside his doppelganger on SNL Korea — the local adaptation of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. The buzz started Tuesday when Han posted a photo on Facebook with comedian Jung Sung-ho, known for his spot-on impersonations of the candidate. In the image, Jung mimics Han's signature hairstyle, glasses and gestures as the two share an awkward glance inside a convenience store. The segment had not yet aired as of press time, but the photo ignited chatter across social media and news platforms. 'The broadcaster approached us first,' said an official from Han's campaign. 'With the election coming up, they clearly saw ratings potential. Han also saw it as a good opportunity for exposure. Especially with satire, you can't avoid politically sensitive themes — and if you can't avoid them, sometimes the best strategy is to confront them head-on.' Han is the latest in a string of People Power Party figures to appear on the show, stepping up efforts to stand out — not just with policy, but with personality. Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister, and Hong Joon-pyo, a former mayor of Daegu, also recently participated. Kim lampooned his own viral remarks, while Hong took sharper aim at his rivals — calling Democratic Party front-runner Rep. Lee Jae-myung a 'thug' and labeling Han a 'narcissist.' Hong also turned a past scandal involving political power broker Myung Tae-kyun into a pun, playing off Myung's name in a three-line joke. Beyond television, candidates are increasingly taking direct control of their public image through social media. Rep. Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party's leading candidate, is said to personally manage his Facebook and Instagram accounts. This week, Lee posted a condolence message following the death of Pope Francis, using his own baptismal name, Andrea — a rare personal touch in South Korean political messaging. Hong Joon-pyo, who began using Facebook in 2011, is a strong believer in the power of social media. 'He sees social media as the most efficient way to share his views. For security reasons, he doesn't share access or passwords with any aides — he manages everything himself,' said an official from Hong's campaign. 'Of course, he's sometimes unfamiliar with newer platforms like Instagram or YouTube. When that happens, his team explains the unique features of each platform and tailors the content accordingly,' the official added. Presenting a more human and relatable side has become a central theme in digital outreach efforts. Han Dong-hoon, for instance, often livestreams from his car — casually or fashionably dressed — talking to viewers about topics ranging from policy to personal stories, like how he purchased a favorite wristwatch. 'These are mostly his own ideas,' said an aide from Han's campaign. 'There's no production crew or heavy editing. He wants it to feel real.' Though Han polls in the single digits, his online fan base is among the largest — over 92,000 members — second only to Lee Jae-myung's 211,000. Earlier this week, Han hit the maximum legal fundraising cap of 2.94 billion won (about $2.1 million) just 11 hours after opening his campaign's donation page. But not every digital venture has been well received. Former People Power Party candidate Rep. Na Kyung-won faced public criticism after uploading a video on YouTube falsely implying that the band Coldplay had endorsed her during their recent Seoul concert. The footage featured the band wryly observing that Korea has been without a president both times they visited the country, and nominating their drummer, Will Champion, as a candidate. Following backlash over her post, Na's team removed the video with a caption stating the clip was 'a simple promotional video unrelated to any intent on the part of Coldplay.' 'It's unlikely she made or even reviewed the video herself, given the editing quality and her tight schedule during the campaign,' said a source who has worked on public relations strategy teams within the National Assembly. 'Many lawmakers now rely on social media teams, but that doesn't mean they're personally and directly involved. Some are hands-on, but others leave it entirely to staff.' Yet, many campaign strategists underscore that the boundary between political campaigning and content creation is becoming increasingly blurred — not because policy is being sidelined, but because the way it is delivered is evolving. 'Of course, developing solid policies is the foundation — that goes without saying,' said a media strategist from one of the presidential contenders' campaign teams, who said he has worked at the National Assembly since 2017. 'But you can't afford to overlook how those policies are communicated. If no one's paying attention, even the best ideas won't land. In this environment, reaching voters through a range of channels isn't optional — it's essential.'
Korea Herald
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Satire, selfies, and SNL: Korean presidential hopefuls dive into entertainment politics
With June 3 election looming, candidates blur lines between comedy and campaigning to win hearts — and views Han Dong-hoon, a leading presidential contender and former chair of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, became the talk of the nation this week ahead of an appearance alongside his doppelganger on SNL Korea — the local adaptation of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. The buzz started Tuesday when Han posted a photo on Facebook with comedian Jung Sung-ho, known for his spot-on impersonations of the candidate. In the image, Jung mimics Han's signature hairstyle, glasses and gestures as the two share an awkward glance inside a convenience store. The segment had not yet aired as of press time, but the photo ignited chatter across social media and news platforms. 'The broadcaster approached us first,' said an official from Han's campaign. 'With the election coming up, they clearly saw ratings potential. Han also saw it as a good opportunity for exposure. Especially with satire, you can't avoid politically sensitive themes — and if you can't avoid them, sometimes the best strategy is to confront them head-on.' Han is the latest in a string of People Power Party figures to appear on the show, stepping up efforts to stand out — not just with policy, but with personality. Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister, and Hong Joon-pyo, a former mayor of Daegu, also recently participated. Kim lampooned his own viral remarks, while Hong took sharper aim at his rivals — calling Democratic Party front-runner Rep. Lee Jae-myung a 'thug' and labeling Han a 'narcissist.' Hong also turned a past scandal involving political power broker Myung Tae-kyun into a pun, playing off Myung's name in a three-line joke. Beyond television, candidates are increasingly taking direct control of their public image through social media. Rep. Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party's leading candidate, is said to personally manage his Facebook and Instagram accounts. This week, Lee posted a condolence message following the death of Pope Francis, using his own baptismal name, Andrea — a rare personal touch in South Korean political messaging. Hong Joon-pyo, who began using Facebook in 2011, is a strong believer in the power of social media. 'He sees social media as the most efficient way to share his views. For security reasons, he doesn't share access or passwords with any aides — he manages everything himself,' said an official from Hong's campaign. 'Of course, he's sometimes unfamiliar with newer platforms like Instagram or YouTube. When that happens, his team explains the unique features of each platform and tailors the content accordingly,' the official added. Presenting a more human and relatable side has become a central theme in digital outreach efforts. Han Dong-hoon, for instance, often livestreams from his car — casually or fashionably dressed — talking to viewers about topics ranging from policy to personal stories, like how he purchased a favorite wristwatch. 'These are mostly his own ideas,' said an aide from Han's campaign. 'There's no production crew or heavy editing. He wants it to feel real.' Though Han polls in the single digits, his online fan base is among the largest — over 92,000 members — second only to Lee Jae-myung's 211,000. Earlier this week, Han hit the maximum legal fundraising cap of 2.94 billion won (about $2.1 million) just 11 hours after opening his campaign's donation page. But not every digital venture has been well received. Former People Power Party candidate Rep. Na Kyung-won faced public criticism after uploading a video on YouTube falsely implying that the band Coldplay had endorsed her during their recent Seoul concert. The footage featured the band wryly observing that Korea has been without a president both times they visited the country, and nominating their drummer, Will Champion, as a candidate. Following backlash over her post, Na's team removed the video with a caption stating the clip was 'a simple promotional video unrelated to any intent on the part of Coldplay.' 'It's unlikely she made or even reviewed the video herself, given the editing quality and her tight schedule during the campaign,' said a source who has worked on public relations strategy teams within the National Assembly. 'Many lawmakers now rely on social media teams, but that doesn't mean they're personally and directly involved. Some are hands-on, but others leave it entirely to staff.' Yet, many campaign strategists underscore that the boundary between political campaigning and content creation is becoming increasingly blurred — not because policy is being sidelined, but because the way it is delivered is evolving. 'Of course, developing solid policies is the foundation — that goes without saying,' said a media strategist from one of the presidential contenders' campaign teams, who said he has worked at the National Assembly since 2017. 'But you can't afford to overlook how those policies are communicated. If no one's paying attention, even the best ideas won't land. In this environment, reaching voters through a range of channels isn't optional — it's essential.'
Korea Herald
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Hong Joon-pyo mocks top rivals on 'SNL' ahead of June presidential election
Conservative firebrand calls frontrunner Lee Jae-myung a 'thug' and Han Dong-hoon a 'narcissist' South Korean presidential contender Hong Joon-pyo, a senior figure in the conservative People Power Party, has drawn fresh attention with a sharp-tongued, satirical appearance on "SNL Korea," taking direct aim at top rivals Lee Jae-myung and Han Dong-hoon ahead of the country's critical June 3 election. In Saturday's episode of the comedy sketch show in its seventh season, via streaming platform Coupang Play, the former Daegu mayor appears dressed as a convenience store job applicant. The segment gave Hong a stage to fire off barbed comments about leading candidates in a format that blended political parody with pointed critique. When asked about former Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung, Hong didn't hold back. 'He's a 'yangachi,'' he said, using a Korean slang term that roughly translates to 'thug' or 'delinquent,' often used to describe someone seen as unscrupulous or morally corrupt. Hong also mocked Lee's reaction to a resurfaced video clip from September 2024, in which Hong had said, 'A party that gets impeached must give up on the next presidential election.' The clip was played during a Democratic Party leadership meeting on April 7, where Lee was seen laughing. Hong, clarifying the intent of his comment, said, 'That was a warning to Yoon (Suk Yeol) and Han (Dong-hoon) not to fight and get impeached. If Lee thought I meant that literally, then he just doesn't get it. That's why I said he's not very smart.' Hong did not spare those in his own conservative camp either. He criticized former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, calling him a once 'pure' figure who has 'grown murkier,' and labeled former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon as a 'narcissist.' On economic policy, Hong also weighed in on South Korea's current minimum wage — at 10,030 won ($7) an hour -- 'It's too high,' he said. 'Small business owners can't keep up unless the whole family pitches in.'
The National
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
New movies, shows and music to stream, from Nayanthara's cricket thriller to BTS member Jin's unscripted fun
This week sees the highly anticipated returns of two shows. The Handmaid's Tale, now on its final season, offers a glimpse into a dystopian world that does not seem too far-fetched, while Black Mirror, back for its sixth season, uses satire to remind us of uncomfortable truths about our increasing dependency on technology. For South Indian film fans, three major Tamil stars – Nayanthara, R Madhavan and Siddharth – unite for a drama with cricket as the backdrop. Here are some of the latest films, shows and music to stream this week. The final season of the acclaimed dystopian series begins on April 8. Based on Margaret Atwood's bestseller, leading actress Elisabeth Moss has said season six will be 'big and wild'. Moss, who directed three episodes each in season four and five, returns as one of this season's directors. The show has been slowly expanding beyond its source material with each season, making each following instalment hard to predict. But Moss, who plays June Osborne, has teased a revolution against the totalitarian government of Gilead, where women are brutally subjugated. The first season of The Handmaid's Tale premiered during US President Donald Trump's first term in office in 2017, prompting some to draw parallels between his government's policies towards women's rights and the premise of the book and series. The final season arrives less than three months into Trump's second term in the White House. The hit satirical anthology series, which looks at our increasingly scary relationship with technology, returns on April 10. The series' six episodes include two that will be feature-length – 90 minutes or longer. Traditionally, all Black Mirror episodes are independent, but this season will feature the show's first sequel – a follow-up to USS Callister from season four. The episode is set in a video game company where a programmer invents a simulated reality in which he is the captain of a spacecraft and his co-workers are his subservient crew. New cast members in season seven include Awkwafina, Paul Giamatti, Peter Capaldi, Emma Corrin, Issa Rae and Rashida Jones. BTS fans, rejoice. Jin is back on TV in this unscripted show that Netflix says is 'filled with chaos and fun'. The K-pop star, along with South Korean webtoon artist Kian84 and SNL Korea cast member Ji Ye-eun, runs a quirky home where they put their celebrity guests through challenges and games. Expect plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments in this first-of-its-kind series. The first three episodes of Kian's Bizarre B&B premiere on April 8, with new episodes dropping weekly for three weeks. In this new supernatural series, Kevin Bacon stars as Hub Halloran, a murdered bounty hunter resurrected by the devil to bring escaped demons back to hell. Along the way, Hub learns how his own sins condemned his soul, compelling him to seek a second chance at life and love. The eight-episode series also stars Jennifer Nettles (The Righteous Gemstones) and Jolene Purdy (The White Lotus). Fans mourning Val Kilmer, who died on Tuesday aged 65, might want to re-watch this moving documentary, released in 2021. A look at his life and career, Val received wide praise after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It includes previously unseen, private footage dating as far back to the 1970s and covers everything from the childhood death of his brother Wesley and his eight-year marriage to actress Joanne Whalley. It also documents Kilmer's diagnosis and recovery from throat cancer. The Top Gun star's diagnosis was not publicly confirmed until 2017, two years after he was first hospitalised for the condition. By then, he had undergone chemotherapy and a tracheotomy procedure that reduced his voice to a rasp. In 2020, the actor revealed that he had been cancer-free for four years. Three of Tamil film's biggest stars come together for this highly anticipated psychological thriller, set against the high-stakes world of cricket. Superstar Nayanthara plays Kumudha, a teacher, whose marriage to scientist Saravanan, played by R Madhavan, is tested when the demands of their respective jobs collide. Meanwhile, Kumudha's old friend Arjun (played by Siddharth), a cricket star, is faced with the biggest moral dilemma of his career. 'This isn't just a film about cricket; it's about the human spirit, the choices that shape us, and the fine line between victory and downfall,' writer and director S Sashikanth recently said. Written and recorded in only 20 days – and backed by all-star musicians such as Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith – Elton John and Brandi Carlile's album is an ode to their friendship that began in 2009. That year, Carlile, who had never previously met or corresponded with her idol, wrote a note asking Elton to play piano and sing on the song Caroline for her album Give Up The Ghost. He agreed immediately and the pair soon began a friendship that has spanned multiple collaborations. Who Believes In Angels? also features Elton's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt. The 10 original songs include Never Too Late, a song Carlile wrote as an homage to her collaborator's enduring career. This was also the title of the documentary film Elton John: Never Too Late that was released in 2024. The track was nominated for Best Original Song at this year's Oscars.
