Viral Video of the Day: ‘Daily Show’ clip mocking Kim Jong Un racks up 2.8 million Chinese views

How doth the saying go? A shared enemy makes unlikely friends?

Well, the saying seems to have rung true regarding a comedic connection between the US and China.

While 'The Daily Show' may not normally be a huge crowd pleaser in China, when North Korea ends up being the butt of all the jokes, it would appear that even the Chinese have an appreciation for Jon Stewart's sarcastic shenanigans.

Yes, in a special segment titled, 'Nuke Kid on the Block', Mr. Stewart really resonated with a new Chinese audience, reflecting popular sentiment in China while also making light of Beijing’s own geopolitical dilemmas.

According to the Washington Post, the first half of the segment received 102,000 views and 58,000 for the second half on “The Daily Show’s” website — figures which represent a completely respectable audience.

But when the popular Chinese web portal, Sina, posted the clip online, the views skyrocketed — racking up an staggering 2.8 million views (and counting), as well as tens of thousands of praiseful comments.

Among other things, the eight-minute clip primarily pokes fun at the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, sharing photos of him, well, for lack of a better phrase, looking at things. 

What are these things, you ask?

One photo depicts Kim Jong Un planning a multi-strike nuclear attack on the US — complete with what appears to be hand-drawn detonation destinations. A second photo showed Lil' Kim and his advisors huddled around what is either a ridiculously antiquainted computer, or as Jon Stewart suggested, "A harpsicord with a panic button." 

Stewart's commentary didn't end there however — no, the hits just kept coming — watch the video and you will soon see what we mean.

What we found most interesting, however, is that the now-famous clip is full of references that might not be immediately obvious to the average Chinese viewer. Stewart mentions South by Southwest, Windows 95, and the indie film Little Miss Sunshine — all of which would seem to better resonate in the US rather than in China. 

It would appear though that the popularity of the 'Nuke Kid on the Block' segment may just correlate perfectly with the growing frustration among Chinese citizens with their misbehaving ally, particularly middle-class Chinese urbanites who have an open-minded flare for comedy.

Who knew?

In the meantime, it looks like Stewart might have to play up his North Korea jokes if he wants to match last night's online ratings.

Fortunately for him, there appears to be no shortage of material.

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