Italian TV personality Alberto Mondi is leaving his MC seat on MBC Every1's "Welcome, Is It Your First Time in Korea?" after hosting the show for nine years.
On the 27th, according to industry sources, the production team of "Welcome, Is It Your First Time in Korea?" said it will replace Alberto, who has served as a regular MC since the initial pilot broadcast, with a lineup of Kim Joon-hyun and DinDin.
Some observers say the decision for him to step down was influenced by controversy over Alberto's past remarks about history. In November last year, on a YouTube channel, Alberto, speaking about his children's education, said, "In fact, our Leo (my son) is very interested in Korean history," and added, "(Leo) says things like, 'Mom, the Japanese people were really bad.'" He continued, "Then I tell my son, 'It was like that in the past, but now our aunt is also Japanese, isn't she. Japanese people aren't that bad, and since this is history, listen to both sides,' and I say that a lot."
Alberto's remarks drew criticism that they relativized perceptions of history during the Japanese colonial period. Alberto's biological younger sibling entered into an international marriage with a Japanese person. Earlier, Alberto also said, "My Korean wife and my Japanese sister-in-law are engaged in a nerve war."
As criticism mounted, Alberto posted an apology on social media. He said, "I deeply reflect on having caused discomfort and disappointment due to my shortcomings," and added, "Although the historical issues between Korea and Japan are a very weighty subject imbued with the pain and memories of countless people, I made a hasty remark without fully considering that weight, and that is entirely my responsibility."
He went on, "I will act more prudently going forward and will study the history, context, and meaning more deeply so that I can be a parent who is not ashamed before my children," and added, "I once again sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my inadequate words."