NBC apologizes for insensitive statement that Japan was important to Korea's transformation during the Olympics
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) has apologized for one of its analysts' making a controversial statement during the recent Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
During the recent Winter Olympics opening ceremony which took place in Pyeongchang, South Korea, one of the broadcasters/analysts (Joshua Cooper Ramo) made a statement which offended thousands of Koreans. While introducing Japan, Ramos said the following, "Every Korean will you that Japan is a cultural, and technological, and economic example, has been so important to their own transformation."
Upon hearing this introductory statement, many were upset and angered as the analyst glossed over South Korea's painful history of Japanese colonial rule which lasted from 1910 to 1945, filled with the marginalization of the Korean culture, executions, exploitation of the people, and other violations of human rights. Some even suggested that Ramo essentially praised and appreciated Japanese colonialism.
Since making the ignorant and controversial comment, thousands took to various social media platforms to express their discomfort and anger.
IOC bans any demonstration of political or racial propaganda in the Games. NBC commentator's praising Japan's colonization of Korea it's the same as advocating Nazi persecution of the Jews Shame on you NBC!
Upon receiving this large wave of backlash, NBC issued an official apology in which Carolyn Manno read, not Joshua Cooper Ramo, "During our coverage of the Parade of Nations on Friday we said it was notable that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the trip to Korea for the Olympics, 'representing Japan, a country which occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945 but every Korean will tell you that Japan is a cultural, technological and economic example that has been so important to their own transformation.' We understand the Korean people were insulted by these comments and we apologize."
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