Ghana-born broadcaster Sam Okyere explained why he did not leave Korea despite a five-year hiatus.
Sam Okyere recently appeared on the YouTube channel "K-Story."
On the day, in response to the host's remark, "You must have had a hard time mentally," Sam Okyere candidly replied, "I went through a lot. I went through far more than I thought. And I endured better than I thought. It wasn't just me; there are many people around me who love me and are good people, so I think I endured through their comfort and love."
He went on, "Fortunately, there were fans who loved me and remembered me, so I worked hard, and honestly there were so many moments that were too difficult to put into words, and many moments when I wanted to give up. But life is 'you must not give up.' When I finished my military service, with the spirit that you must not give up and you must see it through to the end," he added.
Sam Okyere also candidly said about staying in Korea despite a five-year hiatus after the controversy, "Honestly, it's because I have nowhere to go. I came to Korea when I was 19 and became an adult here. I really worked hard and learned a lot. I grew up here. In a way, it's home to go elsewhere. If someone told me to leave home and go somewhere else, where would I go? I have nowhere to go."
He said, "Above all, my affection for Korea is so deep; over the past five years I realized 'it was really deep.' I really like and love Korea. I think like a Korean in many ways," expressing his affection for Korea.
Sam Okyere also said, "Honestly, I received a lot of online attacks, and there were many unpleasant comments, so I was worried. There were times I hesitated about going out. Every time I went out, especially the restaurant owners' mothers treated me so well. They fed me a lot like I was their own son and many people comforted me saying 'it's okay.' I felt I should focus on the people who comforted and liked me. I am very, very grateful to those people," conveying his gratitude.
Sam Okyere, a Ghana-born broadcaster, became loved through variety shows such as Non-Summit. In 2020, controversy arose when students at a high school in Uijeongbu parodied a meme that captured the unique culture of pallbearers dancing while carrying a casket in graduation photos; Sam Okyere pointed out that it was racial discrimination. Some netizens pointed out past racially insensitive remarks by Sam Okyere, and a sexual-harassment comment he had made toward an actress was reexamined. Sam Okyere later issued an apology, but he further fueled controversy by using the slang 'TAEKPOP,' which refers to K-pop gossip.
[Photo] YouTube video capture.
[OSEN]