American YouTuber Ramsey Khalid Ismael, popularly known as Johnny Somali has faced widespread criticism after a controversial video showed him kissing and posing with a statue dedicated to Korean women who were victims of sexual slavery during Japan’s occupation of Korea.
Somali’s actions, captured during his visit to the Changdong History and Culture Park in Seoul, have ignited anger among Koreans and beyond.
In a video posted on 9th of October, the YouTuber was seen kissing the Statue of Peace in Itaewon, central Seoul, and performing a dance in front of the memorial.
The statue honors tens of thousands of young Korean women who were subjected to forced sexual slavery by the Japanese military from 1910 to 1945.
According to The Korea Times, Somali expressed remorse for his actions in a video released by YouTube channel Jcompany on Thursday.
Standing beside the statue, he bowed and offered an apology to the Korean people: “I want to apologize to Koreans. I didn’t understand the significance of the statue.”
Johnny Somali admitted that he had intended the stunt as entertainment for his American audience but now recognized his actions as disrespectful.
He concluded his apology in Korean, adding, “I’m truly sorry.”
Prompt News reports that the incident has spurred ongoing criticism, with many Koreans and others voicing their disapproval over what they see as a profound lack of cultural sensitivity and respect.
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