An auntie in China has gone viral online by creating comedic imitations of popular Korean television dramas. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
BEIJING (SCMP): An elderly Chinese aunt has captured hearts online by parodying iconic scenes from classic Korean dramas with hilarious and exaggerated acting.
The woman’s performances have sparked an outpouring of affection and pleas for her to continue bringing joy.
In recent years, South Korean TV dramas have seen a massive surge in popularity in the West, notably with Squid Game, which was released in September 2021 and watched by one in four people in the United States.
However, recently, a Chinese aunt has brought her unique style to performances, adding a delightful flavor to the Korean drama craze.
The 66-year-old, Zhen Yingzi, from Qingdao, Shandong province in northern China, is known online as “Silly Aunt Yingzi”, where she boasts 811,000 followers.
Her profile modestly states: “I have no education or background. We are a family of twelve sisters, relying solely on ourselves.”
The work of 66-year-old Zhen Yingzi has brought delight to international audiences. Photo: QQ.com
Since launching her social media account, Zhen has humorously parodied scenes from more than 402 Chinese and Korean dramas, including hits like Descendants of the Sun, My Love from the Star, and The Heirs, many of which were performed in the local Qingdao dialect.
Her recent rise to international fame came after a Vietnamese TikTok user, identified as tamsucuachocon99, reposted her videos alongside the original scenes for comparison, delighting and surprising viewers worldwide.
In one scene mimicking Descendants of the Sun, where the character Mo-yeon, portrayed by Song Hye-kyo, encounters another Si-jin, played by Song Joong-ki, Zhen dons a wig that matches Song Hye-kyo’s hairstyle and length, complete with a white veil.
When the veil blows off, she runs to retrieve it, only to look up and see a group of elderly men dressed as soldiers, imitating Si-jin and his companions.
However, some of the “soldiers” wore mismatched outfits, wearing Dr Martin boots or red floral pants, while all of them humorously held popsicles or sausages in their hands for comedic effect.
The video amassed 5 million views and 206,000 likes on TikTok.
Due to the absurd and hilarious visuals, many viewers admitted that they might never watch Korean dramas in the same way again.
Talented Zhen portrays an array of characters and scenes from Korean dramas. Photo: QQ.com
One person said: “This is the Descendants of the Sun after 500 years.”
“Please, don’t stop making these videos, life would be so dull without them,” said another.
In an interview with Zaker, Aunt Zhen explained that she had always loved taking photos when she was young and has now extended this passion to short video production.
She said that her production team comprises close friends and family.
Her daughter manages costumes and makeup, her son-in-law works as the director and prop master, and her friends and relatives star as her acting partners.
Though all the actors are over 60, Zhen maintains rigorous standards, paying meticulous attention to every detail from camera angles to facial expressions, often requiring countless scene reshoots.
Despite the challenges, Zhen said that she finds tremendous joy in the process and is proud of each video they produce.
Chinese netizens are also fascinated about her passion for acting.
“I must be addicted. I didn’t feel anything watching the original version, but the elderly version feels so inspiring!” one online viewer commented.
Another asked: “Can I fund this production? I want my dad to join!” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
