NBC has issued an apology after its Olympic “Asian analyst” Joshua Cooper Ramo praised Japan’s contribution to Korea’s history.

The comments were greeted with anger by some in South Korea, who pointed to the human rights violations committed by Japan during its colonial rule between 1910 and 1945. Ramo’s comments came during NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. He acknowledged Japan’s occupation of Korea before adding: “But Every Korean will tell you that Japan is a cultural, and technological, and economic example, has been so important to their own transformation.” Ramo also worked for NBC during the 2008 Beijing Games and is joint CEO of Kissinger Associates.

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Ramo’s comments were given short shrift by Koreans. “During Japanese rule (1910-1945), many Koreans suffered enormously, often from rape, forced labor, torture and death,” the Korea Times wrote. “The issue of the comfort women, the victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, is one of the many atrocities that occurred during that period. Few Koreans would agree with what Ramo said of Japan.”

M (@MH65980897) Apologize to Koreans! Koreans do not look to Japan as a positive example, especially based on Japan's inhumane treatment toward Koreans during their illegal and immoral occupation. #JoshuaCooperRamo@jramo

NBC issued an apology for Ramo’s comments over the weekend. “During our coverage of the Parade of Nations on Friday we said it was notable that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the trip to Korea for the Olympics, ‘representing Japan, a country which occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945 but every Korean will tell you that Japan is a cultural, technological and economic example that has been so important to their own transformation.’ We understand the Korean people were insulted by these comments and we apologize.”

The Olympics have a long history of regrettable actions and comments from participants. At the Rio Games in 2016 USA goalkeeper Hope Solo was booed by home fans after joking about the Zika virus, which had affected many in Brazil. At the Beijing Olympics, the Spanish basketball team were condemned after they posed for a photo making “slit-eyed” gestures.