Sam Okyere Opens Up Five Years After Controversy: “Korea Is My Home… I Have Nowhere Else to Go”

Ghanaian broadcaster Sam Okyere has spoken publicly about his life in Korea nearly five years after stepping away from television following controversy.

In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel K-Story, Okyere reflected on the difficult period that followed the 2020 incident that led to his broadcast hiatus. When asked how he had been coping, he answered candidly, “It was a very hard time.”

“The Love I Received Kept Me Going”

Okyere shared that what sustained him during the backlash was remembering the support he had received from many people in Korea over the years.

“I’ve received far more love than hate,” he said, explaining that he felt a responsibility to endure the situation with dignity. Having built much of his adult life in Korea since arriving at 19, he said the country feels like home. When asked why he did not return to Ghana, he responded simply: “I have nowhere else to go.” He added, “I grew up here as an adult. I learned so much here. If you tell me to leave home, where would I go?”

Online Criticism vs. Real-Life Encounters

Okyere admitted that the wave of online criticism was emotionally overwhelming. He said there were times he hesitated to go outside because of harsh comments.

However, he described a contrast between online reactions and real-life interactions. “When I went out, elderly people at restaurants would tell me, ‘You must have suffered a lot.’ That warmth meant so much,” he said. He noted that over time, he chose to focus on those who continued to support him.

Reflection and Apology

Addressing the controversy directly, Okyere acknowledged that his actions may have caused hurt. “If anyone was hurt by my words or actions, I am sincerely sorry,” he said.

Since stepping away from broadcasting, he shared that he has tried running personal businesses, studied new fields, and continued improving his Korean. He also revealed that he attempted to return to broadcasting but ultimately stepped back.

Sam Okyere rose to prominence through JTBC’s Abnormal Summit and appeared on various variety programs. His latest interview marks one of his most in-depth reflections since the 2020 controversy.

As he put it simply: “Korea is where I grew up. It’s my home.”