Korean dance sensation PSY
landed in hot water after his anti-American past was revealed on the
media earlier on Thursday, December 7. As the news became a major
headline, the 34-year-old rapper quickly issued an apology to those who
were offended, insisting that he "will forever be sorry" for rapping the
provocative anti-American lyrics at his concert eight years ago.
"As a proud South Korean who was educated in the United States and lived
there for a very significant part of my life, I understand the
sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom
and democracy in my country and around the world," PSY stated. He also
explained that he created the lyrics hot on heels of the murder of two
Korean schoolgirls at the time.
The Gangnam District-born star went on, "The song I was featured on in
question from eight years ago - was part of a deeply emotional reaction
to the war in Iraq and the killing of two Korean schoolgirls that was
part of the overall antiwar sentiment shared by others around the world
at that time."
"While I'm grateful for the freedom to express one's self, I've learned
there are limits to what language is appropriate and I'm deeply sorry
for how these lyrics could be interpreted. I will forever be sorry for
any pain I have caused by those words," he added.
He continued making amends, "I have been honored to perform in front of
American soldiers in recent months - including an appearance on the Jay Leno show specifically for them - and I hope they and all Americans can accept my apology."
"While it's important that we express our opinions, I deeply regret the
inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so. In my music, I
try to give people a release, a reason to smile. I have learned that
thru music, our universal language we can all come together as a culture
of humanity and I hope that you will accept my apology."
The controversy sparked as the media revealed that in 2004, long before
he achieved his massive stardom, PSY threw a concert where he rapped
about "slowly and painfully" killing American troops and their families.
"Kill those f***ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives," he
rapped, "Kill those f***ing Yankees who ordered them to torture/ Kill
their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers/ Kill them all
slowly and painfully."
According to Mediaite, PSY also performed at a gig in 2002 against the
presence of 37,000 American soldiers in Korea. At the time, he painted
his face gold and with the crowd egging him on, he lifted a miniature
American tank and smashed it on the ground to massive applause.
Despite the controversy, PSY is still scheduled to perform for President
Barack Obama later this month. A White House representative claimed
that Obama and his family would still attend the December 21 Christmas
gig in Washington D.C. where the "Gangnam Style" star would take the
stage.
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