[Correspondent Diary] The Secret of the Comedian Who Angered Bolton

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Which expression is more insulting, 'ddorai' (crazy person) or 'cheonjinada' (innocent/simple-minded)? Most would say ddrorai, but this person was different. This is about John Bolton, former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor.

On the 28th (local time), John Bolton, former NSC advisor, has been conducting daily interviews with the media to promote his memoir, which records what he saw and heard while working at the White House.

Steven Colbert (left) and Zol Bolton

Once at the core of the Donald Trump administration, when he decided to stab President Trump in the back, major American media outlets lined up for interviews with him. Most interviews focused less on Bolton himself and more on President Trump's issues. It was almost like interviews for gossiping about Trump.

The media was thrilled by his harsh words. Even media outlets that were usually negative about Bolton sought him out to criticize President Trump. Perhaps the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" applied here.

However, there was one who attempted a completely different kind of interview. Not a journalist, but comedian Stephen Colbert. Bolton appeared on CBS's "The Late Show" hosted by Colbert and had to blush.

It was a strange situation. Bolton had been satirized multiple times on The Late Show. Criticism of both President Trump and Bolton is a staple of Colbert's show.

Why would Bolton appear even on a show critical of him? Did he want to promote his memoir one more time?

Bolton underestimated Colbert. Who is he? In 2006, he was invited to a White House dinner and boldly mocked President George W. Bush to his face without any hesitation.

This time was no different. Colbert threw a direct punch at Bolton. The first punch was strong: "How can you have such a thick face? Are you used to criticism?" This was a criticism of Bolton for refusing to testify in Congress for Trump's impeachment but revealing everything in his book and interviews. Bolton did not back down. He responded, "I'm not used to (criticism)."

Colbert did not back down either. He pressed, "Knowing there would be confusion, why did you join the Trump administration?" Bolton slightly dodged by saying he knew it would be difficult.

At this point, Colbert delivered a sharp "insult" with determination. He asked, "You are an international negotiator, so how can you be so innocent/simple-minded?"

Bolton, unable to hold back, expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "You insulted me by calling me innocent/simple-minded." Bolton, who did not care even when President Trump called him ddrorai (crazy), collapsed in front of the word innocent/simple-minded.

At this point, the winner of the interview was decided. If North Korea criticizes Bolton, they might want to use the word innocent/simple-minded. It is highly effective.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.