Comedian Lee Su-ji Sparks Debate with Actress Parodies: Art or Insult?

Comedian Lee Su-ji, previously in the spotlight for her parody of actress Han Ga-in, is now drawing attention for her parody of Lee Chung-ah. This has sparked a debate with some defending her right to parody, stating, "Comedy can parody politics, so there's no reason to hold back," while others criticize her for "mocking an actress who is living her life sincerely."

A video Lee posted on her YouTube channel 'Neckalcomani' last year has recently become controversial again. The content, uploaded eight months ago, has resurfaced as Lee continues to release parody videos reminiscent of Han Ga-in and Cha Joo-young.

The controversial video is titled 'Actress Anna's Rome🇮🇹 Vlog I Daily Reading and Tools Actress.' It features a nine-minute portrayal of a day in Europe, from waking up to enjoying coffee and reading books. Viewers have noted similarities to Lee Chung-ah's YouTube vlogs, questioning if it was meant to mock her.

Critics point out that the video's style closely resembles Lee Chung-ah's actual vlog channel, including the tone and manner of speech. The controversy grew when it was revealed that Lee Su-ji 'liked' a comment comparing her video to Lee Chung-ah's vlogs.

Lee Su-ji's 'actress impersonations' have consistently been a topic of discussion. She previously gained attention for mimicking Kim Go-eun's unique eye smile. Initially seen as light-hearted humor, the tone shifted after her parody of 'Daechi Mom' became contentious.

The 'Daechi Mom' parody video, which caricatured a devoted mother, was controversial as it reminded viewers of Han Ga-in, a mother of two. It also drew parallels to Cha Joo-young, known for her affection towards fans.

Public opinion is divided, with some arguing that "true satire and humor should target those deserving of it," and that "exaggerating and mocking innocent actresses' traits for laughs is inappropriate." A pop culture fan commented, "Lee Su-ji, with over 50,000 subscribers and a long career in comedy, should consider responsible comedy and healthy humor."

Conversely, others argue for freedom of expression, stating, "As long as it's not defamation or character assassination, there's no reason not to parody actresses. Protecting this freedom can enrich pop culture. The current trend of parody comedy could be a stepping stone for cultural advancement."

Reported by Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr