25.11.27.Today News : Alberto Mondi Faces Backlash Over “Historical Distortion” Remarks Despite Apology

Alberto Mondi Faces Backlash Over “Historical Distortion” Remarks Despite Apology

📍Controversy erupts after comments on Japan’s colonial rule; criticism spreads over children’s education and sincerity of apology

Italian TV personality Alberto Mondi sparked intense criticism after making inappropriate remarks about Korea–Japan history during a YouTube broadcast. Although he released an apology, public backlash continues to grow, raising concerns about the future of his long-standing broadcasting career in Korea.

Italian broadcaster Alberto Mondi has been embroiled in controversy over historical distortion after making inappropriate remarks related to Korean-Japanese history during a YouTube broadcast.

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🔹 Origin of the Controversy: “We Should Hear Both Sides”
The issue began with a video released on the YouTube channel 354.
Alberto Mondi stated that people should “listen to both sides” when discussing Japan’s 35-year colonial rule over Korea, a remark widely criticized for minimizing historical atrocities and distorting facts.

Actor Song Jin-woo, appearing alongside Mondi, also referred to the colonial period as a time when “the two countries fought,” further reducing Japan’s imperial invasion to a simple bilateral conflict.

🔹 Controversy Spreads to Parenting and Historical Awareness
Public anger intensified when both individuals shared how they discuss Korea–Japan history with their children.
Song explained that he tells his child “Korea and Japan fought long ago but not anymore.”
Mondi said he responds to his son’s claim—“Japanese people were bad”—by saying “It was long ago, things are different now. Listen to both sides.”

These statements were condemned for failing to acknowledge the severity of historical suffering and for presenting false equivalence under the guise of balance.

The backlash grew stronger because Mondi has long cultivated the image of a foreigner who respects and loves Korea.

🔹 Apologies Issued, but Sincerity Questioned
As criticism intensified, the production team and both personalities released apologies, and the video was set to private.
Mondi wrote that he had failed to consider the gravity of the historical topic. Song also apologized, emphasizing that he had no intention of distorting history.

However, Mondi disabled the comments section on his post, and Song initially posted an apology in comments on an old post, further fueling the perception that their apologies lacked sincerity.

Online users expressed strong disappointment, writing:
“He earned his living in Korea but knows nothing about our history,”
“Would he tell Jewish people to listen to the Nazi side?”,
“I feel betrayed.”

🔹 Impact on Broadcasting Career
Mondi has been a long-time host of Welcome, First Time in Korea?, which showcases foreigners experiencing Korean culture. His remarks contradict the nature of the program, raising concerns about the sustainability of his media career.

🔹 Production Team and Cast Deny Intent to Distort History
The production team stated that there was no intention to downplay Japan’s invasion. Song added that he had no intention of teaching distorted history to his children.

Nevertheless, the controversy has significantly damaged public trust, and industry watchers believe it may mark a turning point for both individuals’ careers.

One-line summary : Alberto Mondi’s remarks on Korea–Japan history sparked a historical distortion controversy, and criticism continues despite his apology.