'Racism and Sexual Harassment Controversy' Sam Okyere Appointed as Government Agency Public Relations Ambassador... Public Opinion Turns Cold

Sam Okyere Appointed as Ambassador for Korea-Africa Foundation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Broadcaster Sam Okyere. Photo by Korea-Africa Foundation

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Sam Okyere, a broadcaster from Ghana, has been selected as a promotional ambassador for a government-affiliated organization, sparking controversy. Critics argue that appointing Sam Okyere, who has previously faced backlash over allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment, as a promotional ambassador is inappropriate.

Recently, the Korea-Africa Foundation, an organization under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Sam Okyere has been appointed as the foundation's promotional ambassador. Accordingly, he will be responsible for promoting the foundation's activities and raising awareness about Africa in Korea for the next two years.

However, criticism over Sam Okyere's appointment as promotional ambassador has intensified. It is considered inappropriate that Sam Okyere, who stepped down from broadcasting last year amid various controversies, was selected as a promotional ambassador in less than a year.

One netizen commented, "Are there really no suitable candidates for promotional ambassador? I don't understand why someone with controversies would be appointed as a promotional ambassador," adding, "I hope the appointment is canceled even now."

Another netizen also criticized, saying, "The controversies were last year. It's inappropriate to appoint him as a promotional ambassador in less than a year," and added, "Is Sam Okyere the only person representing the Africa Foundation in Korea?"

Broadcaster Sam Okyere. Photo by Korea-Africa Foundation

Previously, in August last year, Sam Okyere criticized students from Uijeongbu High School for parodying the so-called 'Gwanjjak Sonyeondan' (Coffin Dance) for their graduation photos, calling it racial discrimination. The 'Gwanjjak Sonyeondan' refers to a parody based on a video of pallbearers from West Africa's Ghana dancing energetically while carrying a coffin, which had gained significant attention at the time.

Regarding this, Sam Okyere expressed discomfort, saying, "From our perspective as Black people, this is a very unpleasant act. I understand following the culture, but is it really necessary to paint your face?"

He also made statements in English such as "We need to educate people to understand other cultures without mocking them" and "This kind of ignorance must not continue," which sparked controversy. In English-speaking contexts, the words 'educate' and 'ignorance' can sometimes be used sarcastically or derogatorily.

Additionally, he caused issues by hashtagging '#teakpop,' unrelated to his criticism. This term combines 'tea time' and 'K-pop,' meaning 'K-pop gossip,' and is often used to disparage K-pop.

Post raising sexual harassment controversy. Photo by online community capture.

Meanwhile, Sam Okyere was also embroiled in a sexual harassment controversy at the time. In March last year, he posted a photo on his Instagram with actress Park Eun-hye.

In the post, a foreign netizen commented, "Cute. Once you go black, you never go back." In response, Sam Okyere replied with "Preach." While 'preach' literally means 'to deliver a sermon,' it is often used to mean 'I agree.'

Netizens at the time criticized Sam Okyere for condoning a sexually harassing comment. As the controversy grew, he apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing trouble." He also voluntarily withdrew from the MBC Every1 variety show 'Korea Foreigners' and temporarily suspended his broadcasting activities.