After a very contentious episode in Korea, 24-year-old American YouTuber Johnny Somali has apologized. Somali caused controversy when, while visiting Changdong History and Culture Park in Seoul, he kissed a statue that represented the “comfort women,” Korean victims of wartime sexual enslavement.
The Korea Times reported that in a video released on Thursday by the YouTube channel Jcompany, Somali apologized for his behavior. Somali bowed and expressed regret to the Korean people while standing next to the statue, stating, “I want to apologise to Koreans.” I was unaware of the statue’s importance. Although he admitted that his actions were rude, he went on to clarify that his intention had been to amuse his American audience. In Korean, Somali also added, “I sincerely apologize.”
Watch the clip here:
His apology is viewed with suspicion.
Many viewers have questioned Somali’s genuineness in spite of the apologies. The YouTuber has refused to take down a number of contentious posts from his social media sites, according to critics. In one prominent instance, Somalia shared an image of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Instagram with the message, “I defeated Koreans for you, Shinzo Abe.” The Instagram picture is still there, but the YouTube video has subsequently been removed. The new caption reads, “RIP Shinzo Abe!”
Trends on Google: Johnny Somali
People have been looking up the YouTuber since he posted the apologetic video, which has caused his name to become popular on Google.
Somali also uploaded a video of himself dancing and lying down in a metro car, which hasn’t been removed, further fueling the uproar. Some dubious content is still accessible online even though he took down videos of himself disrespecting the statue and raising a commotion in a convenience shop, which prompted a police inquiry.
Police inquiry and continuing dispute
But people are becoming increasingly skeptical of his behavior, wondering if his apology is sincere or just a reaction to criticism from the public.The Korea Times reports that Seoul’s Mapo Police are also looking into Somali for obstructing business as a result of his actions in the convenience store. The police are also investigating drug use and assault claims. Due to a “exit ban,” Somali is presently prohibited from leaving Korea until the inquiry is finished.
