British influencer and YouTuber Oli London has publicly apologized to BTS star Jimin and the Asian community who underwent dozens of surgeries to look like the Korean pop idol.
London has come under fire for his comments that he identifies as Korean and biracial, meaning he identifies with a race other than a biological origin.
London said they did underwent 32 operationsincluding six nose jobs, eye surgery and a forehead lift, as described in a video as an attempt to ‘achieve my Jimin look’.
In a YouTube videos uploaded on Monday, London apologized for the proceedings and for “trying to impersonate”.
“It was wrong of me to try to imitate Jimin so obsessively,” London said. “I realize now that it wasn’t the right thing to do.”
London said they were bullied as teenagers at school and felt alone and unloved, which affected their self-esteem and created identity issues.
“That was a big factor in me having surgery, being unhappy, channeling my love to Jimin,” London said. “I really tried to rely on that person, because I thought that would make me happy.”
London said they recently got married, which has helped them “grow as people.”
“I can’t be another person. I just have to love myself. I’m starting to really love myself,” they said.
London publicly apologized to Jimin, whose full name is Park Ji-min, and to “any member of the Asian community who ever misunderstood me or misinterpreted me or thought that maybe I was a little too obsessed with Jimin.”
London said they still identify as Korean, adding: “That’s never going to change.”
London announced that they identify as Koreans in a video uploaded in June 2021.
“I come out as non-binary … My pronouns are they/them, Korean and Jimin. I know a lot of people don’t understand me, but I identify as Korean. … I don’t identify as British,” London said.
In a statement shared with NBC News, London said they have faced constant bullying about how they identify.
“Since sharing my story with the world, the bullying has gotten worse and the level of abuse I receive on a daily basis for my identity as a Korean is beyond horrific and traumatizing,” London said.
“I never intended to cause any offense with my actions, and I am sorry if anyone misinterpreted or misunderstood my intense love for Korea and Korean culture,” London added.
London ended the video on Monday by saying, “I struggle with identity issues… but I’m conquering these demons. I’m working hard. It’s not easy, but I’m trying my best.”
London has been very open about his love of Korea on social media, where he has more than 63,000 subscribers on YouTube and 1 million subscribers on TikTok, posting about K-pop stars creating their own music with references to Korean culture and documenting the changes their appearance.
London he tweeted on January 13: “Om, it’s my birthday tomorrow. I hope to be more Korean for my birthday.”
In a video uploaded in September 2021, London said they underwent revision rhinoplasty and nipple surgery, adding the caption: “I finally got my Jimin look and I finally feel 100% Korean.”
