Italian TV personality Alberto Mondi has formally apologized after drawing criticism for comments he made about Japan’s colonial rule over Korea. In a recent broadcast, Mondi suggested that people should consider both sides when looking at history, including the Japanese occupation of Korea — a statement that quickly ignited backlash for perceived historical distortion.
The issue arose during a television program where Mondi stated, “It’s important to hear both perspectives,” in reference to Japan’s rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. Faced with mounting criticism and accusations of minimizing the trauma of colonial history, Mondi released an official statement acknowledging his mistake. “I was careless with my words. I now understand the gravity of the topic and deeply apologize to those I hurt,” he said.
Why it matters
Korean society remains highly sensitive to historical issues related to Japanese colonialism, especially when addressed by public figures. While Mondi has been a popular figure on Korean television for years, his comments reignited broader conversations about the responsibility media personalities bear when discussing painful chapters of national history. His swift apology was seen as an attempt to clarify his stance and prevent further misunderstandings.
Source (KR): https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/broadcast/2025/11/26/MJSTOYZVGA3WKNZXMQ3WCMRXMU/