Italian-born broadcaster Alberto Mondi apologized for his remarks that sparked controversy over historical distortion.
On the afternoon of the 26th, Alberto wrote on his personal account, "First, I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to my remarks in the recently released 354 video. I deeply reflect on causing discomfort and disappointment because of my shortcomings," and bowed his head.
Earlier the day before, the YouTube channel '354' featured Italian-born broadcaster Alberto Mondi, German-born broadcaster Daniel Lindemann, Australian-born broadcaster Sam Hammington, and actor Song Jin-woo discussing international marriage.
While talking, the identity of mixed-race children was mentioned, and Song Jin-woo said, "But because my wife is Japanese, when the kids go to school they learn history. So, are they preparing them somehow? 'Dad is Korean and mom is Japanese. Umi is both people. She is Japanese and also Korean,' and so I made sure to reinforce their identity a bit. And I also tell them in advance things like 'in the past the two fought,'" he confessed.
Alberto also said he gives advice on how to view history. His younger brother also married a Japanese person in an international marriage. Alberto said, "Also, Leo is actually very interested in Korean history and reads books. (Leo) says, 'Mom, Japanese people were really bad,'" adding, "I often tell him, 'That happened in the past, but our aunt is Japanese now, right? It's not that Japanese people are bad, this is history,' 'listen to both sides'" to express his thoughts.
After the video was released, viewers' criticisms followed. They criticized that expressing the historically one-sided invasion and colonial rule of Korea by Japan as '(Korea and Japan) fought' was inappropriate. In addition, Alberto's remark 'you should hear both sides,' seen as promoting a false equivalence, further enraged people. Some even pointed out the seriousness by asking, "Did Jews and Germans fight too?"
Alberto said, "The historical issues between Korea and Japan are a very weighty subject filled with the pain and memories of many people. Nevertheless, I made a careless remark without fully considering that weight, and that is entirely my responsibility. This incident made me reflect deeply," he said.
He added, "I once again sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my inadequate words," expressing his remorse.
below is Alberto's full apology
Hello, this is Alberto Mondi.
First, I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to my remarks in the recently released 354 video. Because of my shortcomings, I caused discomfort and
I deeply reflect on causing disappointment.
The historical issues between Korea and Japan are
a very weighty subject. Nevertheless, I made a careless remark without fully considering that weight
and that is entirely my responsibility.
This incident made me reflect deeply.
From now on I will act more carefully and study history, context and their meanings deeply so as not to be an embarrassing parent to my children.
I will do my best to study and make an effort to deeply understand history, context and their meanings.
I once again
sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my inadequate words.
Sincerely, Alberto Mondi
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]