Sam Okyere Finally Apologizes... A Society Numb to Racism Issues

Uijeongbu High School's 'Blackface' Graduation Photo Controversy
Sam Okyere Criticizes 'Racism', Backlash Grows... Eventually Apologizes
"Lack of Sensitivity to Racial Discrimination Issues"
"Cultural Codes That Belittle Specific Races Should Be Avoided"

A parody of the funeral culture in Ghana where Uijeongbu High School students play bright music and dance during funerals. Photo by Uijeongbu High School Student Council Facebook post capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seunggon Han, Intern Reporter Joohee Kang] Broadcaster Sam Okyere expressed discomfort over the 'blackface' graduation photos of Uijeongbu High School students, but apologized after facing public criticism. This was because some pointed out that criticizing the students was an overreaction since they had no intention of belittling Black people. However, others argued that even if there was no intent, engaging in behavior perceived as racial discrimination was inappropriate.

Experts emphasized that the criticism of Okyere reflected a lack of sensitivity toward racial discrimination and stressed that if certain cultural codes are perceived as acts of racial discrimination, they should be avoided.

Earlier, on the 3rd, controversy arose when the so-called 'Coffin Dance' graduation photo of Uijeongbu High School students was revealed, parodying the Ghanaian funeral culture where bright music is played and dancing occurs. In the process of reenacting this, the students painted their faces black to resemble Black skin, which drew accusations of racial discrimination.

Ghanaian-born broadcaster Sam Okyere also posted on his Instagram on the 6th, stating, "Seeing this is saddening and upsetting. It’s not funny," and pointed out that it was a very unpleasant act from the perspective of Black people.

However, following this, comments criticizing Okyere began appearing on his Instagram. Netizens responded with remarks such as "The students had no intention to belittle," and "It was just a joke, so this is an overreaction," criticizing his remarks as reckless.

Additionally, some netizens continued to criticize him by bringing up unrelated past incidents, such as Okyere allegedly mocking Asians by 'pulling his eyes' on a broadcast, or infringing on portrait rights by posting students' photos without mosaics.

As the criticism intensified, Okyere apologized on his Instagram on the 7th, saying, "I tried to express my opinion but crossed the line."

Ghanaian broadcaster Sam Okyere criticized the graduation photo from Uijeongbu High School featuring blackface makeup as "a very offensive act from the perspective of Black people." Photo by Sam Okyere (Instagram capture)

However, in other countries, 'blackface' is recognized as an act of racial discrimination. Blackface is a makeup style historically used by white actors in American comedy and theater to mock Black people, which has been criticized as racist. Since then, painting one's face black when not Black has been taboo.

Ralph Northam, the governor of Virginia, faced calls to resign after a graduation photo showing him in blackface surfaced. Italian luxury brand Gucci also apologized and stopped selling a new sweater product that depicted Black skin and lips after receiving criticism for 'belittling Black people.'

In South Korea, a comedy program once faced criticism for racial discrimination when comedians painted their faces black to portray Black people.

As the controversy spread, Uijeongbu High School stated through a media outlet on the 7th, "The students parodying the Coffin Dance had no intention to belittle or disparage Black people," and added, "The students were also deeply hurt by Sam Okyere's actions."

However, there are many who point out that even if there was no intent, engaging in behavior that is perceived as racial discrimination is wrong.

Experts stressed that if certain cultural codes carry meanings that belittle a particular race, they should be avoided.

Cultural critic Deokhyun Jung commented on the controversy, saying, "This shows a lack of sensitivity toward blackface and racial discrimination," and added, "Even if the face was painted black just to depict Black people, it can be uncomfortable from the perspective of Black people and contains belittling codes."

He continued, "Some bring up Okyere's past racist remarks or actions, but that should be viewed separately from this issue."

He said, "Even if there was no intent to belittle Black people, if someone feels uncomfortable, it is an action that should not be done," and emphasized, "We need to recognize that such cultural codes exist and avoid them if they can make someone uncomfortable."

In a column, cultural critic Jung also stated, "'Blackface' can be understood by analogy with how we feel discomfort when Asians are called 'Yellow' or when 'eye-pulling' gestures are made. This helps us infer the discomfort such codes cause Black people," and added, "Although Korea's status in popular culture is higher than ever, truly elevating our status requires a mature attitude toward multiculturalism as a prerequisite."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.