Actress Kim Sa Rang made a bold return to television on SNL Korea Season 7, but one skit has left viewers uneasy, with many calling it “gross” and “disgusting.” The controversial moment, which went viral online, has stirred heated reactions across social media and online forums.
Kim Sa Rang, known for her roles in dramas like Get Revenge (2021) and her Miss Korea 2000 title, returned to the spotlight after a four-year break. She appeared as the fourth host of SNL Korea Season 7, airing on Coupang Play on April 26, 2025. The episode marked her first major TV appearance since 2021, and fans were eager to see her take on comedy for the first time.
The show, known for its edgy humor and viral moments, paired Kim Sa Rang with regular cast members like Shin Dong Yup, Jung Yi Rang, Kwon Hyuk Soo, and Kim Won Hoon. Her entrance in a white mini dress wowed the audience, with Shin Dong Yup joking,
She expressed gratitude to fans, saying,
“I haven’t been active for a while, but I’m so grateful that many people came and welcomed me warmly.”
The Controversial Skit
The backlash centers on a specific skit that many viewers found distasteful. In the segment, an actor sips a drink through a straw, and Kim Sa Rang positions her straw into his mouth, transferring the drink to her. She laughs and pulls away, but the moment left audiences uncomfortable. The clip spread rapidly online, shared across platforms like X and Korean forums such as Theqoo.
Netizens expressed their disgust, with one user posting,
“SNL Kim Sa Rang. Even Kim Sa Rang is working this hard. I should be working hard too… Dang… It looks so disgusting, though, sb*.”
Others echoed the sentiment, commenting:
“F*cking disgusting, what was that?”
“I couldn’t watch it, it made me cringe so hard.”
“Why would they think this is funny? It’s just gross.”
The skit’s humor failed to land for many, with some calling it “unnecessary” and “offensive.” The viral clip sparked debates about the boundaries of comedy on SNL Korea, a show already known for pushing limits.
Mixed Reactions to Kim Sa Rang’s Performance
Despite the backlash, Kim Sa Rang earned praise for her overall performance. She took on multiple roles, including a comedic skit called Substance of Youth, where she played an aerobics instructor transformed by a youth-enhancing injection. Her bold humor and R-rated lines contrasted with her elegant image, earning laughs from the audience.
In another segment, she parodied her own 2005 fan meeting, recreating a viral moment where a small table set up by fans became an internet meme. She quipped,
“Today’s fan meeting — absolutely no photos on the internet,”
prompting laughter. Fans on set appreciated her willingness to poke fun at herself, with one saying,
“I’ve never seen Kim Sa Rang explode like this. Legendary whenever Goddess Pure opens her mouth.”
She also joined a group date skit with Lee Su Ji and Kim Won Hoon, showcasing her ability to improvise. Reflecting on the experience, Kim Sa Rang shared,
“I expected comedy to be difficult, but I didn’t know it would be this hard. From now on, I think I’ll appreciate SNL Korea even more.”
SNL Korea’s History of Controversy
SNL Korea has faced criticism before for its provocative content. In 2024, a parody of the drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born drew backlash for sexualizing female characters, with altered lyrics and suggestive gestures causing discomfort. Netizens called it “disrespectful,” with one writing,
Earlier incidents include a 2016 skit mocking breast cancer survivor Um Aing Ran, which led to an apology from comedian Jung Yi Rang, and a 2024 parody of LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella performance that upset fans. The show’s tendency to prioritize viral moments over sensitivity has fueled ongoing debates about its comedic approach.
Experts have weighed in, with Lee Moon Haeng, a media communication professor, stating,
“When being satirical, there should be a strong, impactful message. Without such a message, it can lead to overly comedic results that evoke discomfort.”
Kim Sa Rang’s Perspective
Kim Sa Rang shared her thoughts on social media on April 29, posting photos from the SNL Korea set with the caption,
She acknowledged the challenge of comedy, saying,
“I thought comedy acting would be difficult, but I didn’t realize it would be this hard. I feel like I will cherish SNL even more since the crew worked so hard.”
Her comments suggest she enjoyed the experience, despite the mixed reception. She has not directly addressed the backlash over the skit.
Public and Industry Response
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about SNL Korea’s content. Some viewers defend the show’s bold humor, arguing it’s meant for a mature audience. Others, like Kim Ji Won, a 24-year-old student, said,
“While I’m a fan of SNL Korea, its recent parodies feel increasingly distasteful and uncomfortable to watch.”
Cultural critic Kim Heon Sik noted,
“Mocking the vulnerable is not parody but secondary harm,”
highlighting the need for more thoughtful comedy. The show’s production team has remained silent on the latest criticism, consistent with their response to past controversies.
Current Status
As of April 30, 2025, SNL Korea has not issued a statement regarding the backlash over Kim Sa Rang’s skit. The show continues its Season 7 run, with actor Hyeon Bong Sik hosting the next episode on May 3 at 8 p.m. on Coupang Play. Kim Sa Rang has not announced her next project but remains active on social media, engaging with fans about her SNL experience.
Also Read: Seo Ye Ji Sparks Mixed Reactions by Joking About Past Scandals on SNL Korea
The debate over the skit underscores ongoing tensions about humor, sensitivity, and the role of satire in Korean entertainment. For now, Kim Sa Rang’s return to the spotlight remains a topic of both admiration and controversy.
CREDITS: tvN
