Korean actress Lee Da Hae apologizes to Filipinos

Nakarating na sa Korean actress at commercial model na si Lee Da Hae ang pagkadismaya ng ilang Pinoy sa kanyang guest appearance kamakailan sa isang talk show ng Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).

Sa nasabing episode, sinubukan ng dating My Girl actress na ipakita kung paano magsalita ng Ingles ang mga American, British, at Filipino teachers sa pamamagitan ng pagsasabi nito: "Excuse me. I'm a little bit thirsty. Can I have a glass of water please?"

Matapos gayahin ang American at British accent, ginawa diumanong katawa-tawa ni Lee ang pagsasalita ng Ingles habang ginagaya ang mga gurong Pilipino.

Maraming manonood ang umalma sa pang-iinsulto umano ng aktres sa kakayahan ng Pinoy na mag-Ingles.

Ngunit agad itong nilinaw ng 26-year-old Korean actress at sinabing hindi niya nabanggit ang anuman tungkol sa mga Pinoy o sa Filipino accent sa programa.

Wala rin daw siyang alam na iniligay pala ang Pilipinas sa subtitle ng video nang ito'y ineere na.

Si Lee ay parte rin ng Koreanovela na East of Eden, na kasalukuyang ipinalalabas sa GMA-7. Kasama rin siya sa Green Rose na gagawan ng local adaptation ng ABS-CBN. Pagbibidahan ito nina Anne Curtis at Jericho Rosales.

Ito ang kabuuang paliwanag ni Lee Da Hae tungkol sa isyu, na inilathala niya sa kanyang Twitter account kanina, Nobyembre 3:

"First, I'd like to give you my sincere apologies for what seems to be a misunderstanding.

"It has come to my attention that many of you from the Philippines have posted comments protesting that i was being derisive by mimicking Filipinos when they speak English.

"Therefore, in light of this matter I'd like to take this opportunity to clear the air.

"In spite of what many people believe, I myself did NOT mention anything about the Philippines or Filipino accent whilst on the TV show.

"On the other hand, I recall bringing up Southeast Asia and not the Philippines, and the subtitles were inserted when the show was being edited, of which I was not aware of until it was aired.

"The TV show where this footage was taken from was designed to amuse its audience and my sole purpose was to entertain the viewers by coming up with lighthearted stories.

"Since the producer knows that i speak English he asked me if I could share any episodes that touch upon the English language.

"As we all know every country has a typical accent when its people speak English (including myself) so after giving it some thought, I came up with a few lines where I simply tried to compare different English accents: the somewhat rigid British accent and beginners in Southeast Asia whose English tends to be a little hard-edged. No pun or ridicule was intended.

"As an individual who used to take English classes over the phone with a Filipino instructor, I give you my word that even the mere thought of mocking Filipinos would never cross my mind.

"I cannot tell you how much Filipino fans mean to me and as much as I love them, I would in no way hurt or upset them.

"I hope I have clarified any misunderstandings and once again I am truly sorry if I inadvertently hurt anyone's feelings.

"i really love you, my Filipino fans."