Recently, the YouTube channel 'K-Story' released a video titled "'I Came at 19 and Became an Adult' Sam Okyere's Sincere Words After 5 Years."
In the video, former lawmaker Jasmine Lee, who hosted the session, asked Okyere, "You've been away from broadcasting for quite some time. Were you hesitant when the producer contacted you?" Okyere candidly admitted, "I was surprised," but decided to participate due to his past connection with the producer.
Back in 2020, Okyere publicly criticized some students from Uijeongbu High School for parodying the 'Coffin Dance' meme with blackface, calling it "racist." He later appeared on a show after two years, clarifying, "I never intended to belittle the students," and acknowledged, "I've been loved in Korea for a long time, and I realized I was careless in this incident."
Okyere stated, "Many people wondered if I left Korea after the controversy, but honestly, I have nowhere else to go. I came to Korea at 19, and it's like home to me. If I'm told to leave home, where would I go?"
Lee then inquired about Okyere's current situation. He responded, "I've been through a lot emotionally. It was much harder than I thought, but thankfully, I've had many supportive and loving people around me who helped me get through it."
He also shared, "There were times I hesitated to go out due to online attacks and negative comments, but when I did, restaurant owners treated me like family and comforted me. It was confusing at first because it was so different from the online reactions."
Okyere reflected, "It's true that I was hurt by people, but I also felt sorry for possibly hurting others with my actions and words. Now, I want to focus more on those who support me. They give me immense strength, and I'm very grateful."
By Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr