TV personality Alberto Mondi, who was embroiled in a controversy over historical distortion after saying that people should "listen to both sides" regarding historical issues between Korea and Japan, posted a belated apology.
On the 26th, Alberto posted an apology on his social media (SNS) account, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people with my remarks in the recently released Samosa video."
On the 25th, during a discussion on international marriage featuring actor Song Jin-woo and Alberto on the YouTube channel "354 Samosa," the controversial remarks emerged.
Song Jin-woo, who married a Japanese wife, said, "I made it clear to (my child), 'Mom is Japanese, but Dad is Korean, we have both,'" and added, "And I tell (the child), 'In the old days, (Korea and Japan) fought each other.'"
Hearing this, Alberto Mondi said, "(To my son Leo) 'Japanese people aren't that bad, and this is history, so you can learn it,' and 'You should listen to both sides,'" showing agreement with Song Jin-woo's remarks.
Once the video was released, controversy grew that Song Jin-woo and Alberto Mondi made historically distortive remarks. On online communities, several critical posts said things like, "Japan invaded Korea, so is it right to call that 'they fought' and say 'you should listen to both sides'?" Many users also left direct critical comments on the video.
In the apology, Alberto said, "Even though historical issues between Korea and Japan are a very heavy subject imbued with the pain and memories of countless people, I spoke rashly without fully considering that weight, and that is entirely my responsibility," adding, "Going forward, I will act with greater caution and study history, context, and meaning more deeply so I can strive not to be a parent my children are ashamed of."
He went on to say, "I sincerely apologize once again to everyone who was hurt by my lacking words."