As the presidential election in March approaches, political TV shows and made-for-TV political satires are gaining popularity.
Through local video streaming portal Coupang Play, "Saturday Night Live Korea," a revival of tvN's "SNL Korea" (2011-17), has returned.
The show's comedic routines, notably the famed chilly beginning, have routinely parodied current politics and well-known problems involving presidential candidates, such as academic plagiarism, dubious statements, and the conduct of presidential candidates' wives, among other things.
On Coupang Play's official YouTube account, the newest highlights of the comedy show's political bits have received over 2 million views.
"Going to the Blue House Like This," a political sitcom on Wavve's local streaming service, was turned into a drama series depicting current politics.
The 12-part series follows a politician who wins an Olympic gold medal and is named the new Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. As the minister's spouse, a political critic, is kidnapped by unknown forces, the plot thickens.
According to Wavve, the series premiered with the biggest number of new viewers and watching time, and it remained in the top five drama series ranking for more than four weeks following its debut on Nov. 12.
In the coming months, Astory, the producer of the successful tvN series "Signal" and Netflix's "Kingdom," will debut the new political comedy "The Blue House Family."
The business intends to offer the series through a streaming channel, although the platform and release date have yet to be determined.
While comedians and performers use the election campaign season to exhibit their scathing satires mocking the various problems surrounding the major presidential contenders, political satires have all but vanished from terrestrial networks.
The comedy sketches from MBC's hit variety show "Infinity Challenge" (2006-2018), including "Choice 2014" (2014), "Crisis Center" (2014), and "Gravity" (2016), had led the heyday of political satire in South Korea, with many aspiring stand-up comedians who debuted through the program's open audition.
"A few years ago, numerous portions of 'Gag Concert' were well-liked for their witty parodies and sharp satires. However, a local broadcasting official told The Korea Herald on Tuesday that "it is impossible to find something close to a political satire at the local broadcasters."
Despite the fact that KBS's "Comedy Survival Stage Turn" premiered in November of last year, it does not include political humor.
Astory's head of production and director of "SNL Korea," Ahn Sang-whi, feels there is an opportunity in the Korean entertainment business for additional political satires.
"Standards and rules imposed by politicians' followers and supporters, not necessarily the broadcasters, have grown exorbitant. However, I believe that, in comparison to five to ten years ago, more individuals, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are engaged in political concerns. "I don't believe these sorts of comedy shows are unappreciated by viewers," Ahn told The Korea Herald on Monday.
"As the country develops and becomes more democratic, more critical satires become available." In the local TV and content business, I myself wish to see more dark humor and political satire."
