Sam Okyere, Amid Controversies Over Sexual Harassment and Racism, Ultimately Voluntarily Leaves 'Korea Foreigners'

Broadcaster Sam Okyere from Ghana. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Sam Ochwiri (29), a Ghanaian-born broadcaster who was embroiled in various controversies including sexual harassment and racial discrimination after Uijeongbu High School students said they felt "uncomfortable" about graduation photos parodying 'Gwanjjak Sonyeondan,' will voluntarily withdraw from MBC's program 'Korean Foreigners.'

A representative from Sam Ochwiri's agency, Tantan Entertainment, announced on the 7th, "Sam Ochwiri will be leaving Korean Foreigners." However, the reason for his departure was not disclosed.

Earlier, in early August, Ochwiri sparked controversy by posting on Instagram that the photos of Uijeongbu High School students parodying 'Gwanjjak Sonyeondan' with blackface makeup were "very offensive from the perspective of black people. Please stop." Notably, Ochwiri used words such as "ignorance" in the post.

As the controversy grew, Ochwiri apologized, stating that there was no intention to demean the students.

Although the controversy subsided afterward, Ochwiri's past remarks were reexamined, intensifying the backlash.

In 2019, Ochwiri posted a photo with actress Park Eun-hye. In the comments, a netizen wrote, "Once someone has been with a black person, they can never go back to before," implying that once someone has had sexual relations with a black person, they cannot have relations with other races.

Ochwiri was criticized for condoning sexual harassment by replying to the comment with a message agreeing with it.

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