North Korean Leader Nukes Sarcasm
In this entertaining segment from "The Late Show," Stephen Colbert humorously addresses the bizarre reality of North Korea's nuclear testing and the country's leader, Kim Jong-un. Colbert draws attention to the absurdity of Kim's actions, particularly highlighting his fear of something as innocuous as humor.
The monologue kicks off with Colbert talking about a recent nuclear test in North Korea, where a 10-kilogram device was detonated underground. He cleverly juxtaposes the serious implications of nuclear warfare with whimsical analogies, questioning how problematic it must be to be a North Korean prairie dog given the circumstances. The segment takes a comedic turn as he riffs on North Korea's new submarine-based missile, humorously named "NO DONG," and contrasts it with typical male mid-life crises, suggesting that most might opt for a sports car instead.
As the laughter ensues, Colbert points out the growing threat posed by these advances in weaponry, switching from comedy to a more serious tone about the potential risks of an unhinged leader with nuclear capabilities. He emphasizes that a laughing matter may soon become a grave concern, especially with looming political changes in the U.S.
Colbert’s signature wit shines through as he sarcastically reassures Kim Jong-un about his decision to ban sarcasm, dubbing the move both “smart” and “a genius” idea, while poking fun at Kim's notorious hairstyle—comparing it humorously to that of a gang leader in a women's prison.
Colbert doesn't end without a nod to some lighter news, mentioning the release of the new iPhone 7 in Hong Kong and how its tagline inadvertently translates to slangs for "penis" in Cantonese, eliciting laughter from the audience and demonstrating his skill in blending commentary on current events with carefree humor.
This segment serves not only to entertain but also to critique the surreal nature of North Korean politics, showing how laughter can be a response to even the gravest of topics—a true hallmark of Colbert's comedic style.
What do you all think? Did you find the satire effective given the serious backdrop of nuclear threats? Share your thoughts or any related experiences below!