Psy (Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer)
Reports have surfaced that South Korean rapper Psy, famous for the phenomenon “Gangnam Style,” has made many anti-American comments during his past concerts in South Korea. In 2002, he smashed a model of a U.S. tank on stage. At a 2004 concert, the “Gangnam Style” rapper performed a song with lyrics about killing “Yankees” who have had been torturing Iraqi captives and their families “slowly and painfully.”
The 34-year-old rapper says the protests were part of a “deeply emotional” reaction to the war and the death of two Korean school girls. The girls were killed when a U.S. military vehicle accidentally hit them as they walked alongside the road. Psy noted that anti-war sentiment was high around the world at the time. During one concert Psy performed a song called “Dear American.” He did not write the song. The song tells the listener to kill the “Yankees” who are torturing Iraqi captives, their superiors who ordered the torture and their families.
He raps: “Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law, and fathers/Kill them all slowly and painfully.” On Friday, the White House confirmed President Obama and his family will attend a Dec. 9th charity concert where PSY is among the performers. A spokesman stated that it is customary for the president to attend the “Christmas in Washington” concert. The White House Representative said that they do not have a role in choosing the performers for the event, which benefit the National Children’s Medical Center.
Psy has since issued an apology. He states:
“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. And I hope they and all Americans can accept my apology.”
Well you know what Mr. Psy. I do not accept your apology. You aren’t sorry you made those comments or demonstrations. You are sorry that these comments have come to light at the peak of you 15 minutes of fame. You are sorry that these comments will likely end any iota of a chance you may have had to pursue a career longer than one hit-song. That Mr. Psy is why you are sorry.
As for the White House’s response to Sunday’s charity event I find it pretty lame. Fine President Obama doesn’t invite the performers. But are you seriously trying to tell me he can’t dis-invite someone from this event. He is president of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I think he can control who performs at a charity event.
While I may be the only one in the world who never watched the #1 YouTube video (although with all the coverage and parodies I feel I’ve basically have) I found “Gangnam Style” quite amusing. After these reports I really don’t care what more he has to say. What I find most fascinating is that in an age of increased social media, no one dug this up sooner. Apparently this story was percolating in South Korea for awhile.
What do you think?
Do you accept his apology?
Do you think President Obama should dis-invite Psy to the event?
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