The South Korean pop singer Psy apologised on Friday for anti-American lyrics, ahead of a holiday performance to be attended by US President Barack Obama and his family.
Singer of the viral smash hit Gangnam Style issued the apology after reports surfaced in the United States on Friday about his participation in performances critical of the US military in 2004.
Psy’s Gangnam Style Korean pop and dance video is now the most-watched video ever on YouTube, with more than 900 million views since it was first uploaded in July.
“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,” the rapper said in a statement.
“I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by those words,” he added.
In one performance — which Psy said was from eight years ago — the rapper protested the deaths of two teenage South Korean girls who were run over by a US tank stationed in the country.
In a separate performance, Psy was critical of the US-led invasion of Iraq and its occupation, in which South Korean forces participated.
Psy is scheduled to perform at the annual “Christmas in Washington” television special that will also be attended by Obama and his family, the White House said on Friday. Broadcaster TNT said Psy would still perform as planned.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2012.
Like Life & Style on Facebook and follow at @ETLifeandStyle for the latest in fashion, gossip, entertainment
COMMENTS (3)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Psy's apology was beautiful and a masterpiece in sincere regrets and assuming responsibility for one's mistakes. Psy actually performed on Dec. 8, 2012 and was recorded in front of the president and his family. Show will be broadcasted Dec 21, 2012. You needed to update this info if article was published Dec. 11, 2012.
I think he shouldn't have apologized, they just kill two Korean people and the soldiers who kill them were found not guilty. Also when he sang that was during the Bush time so it explains why he accepted to join the performance.