Apparently PSY, the genius behind the song, "Gangam Style," which has become the #1 viewed video on YouTube, had quite a few bones to pick with the
American Military a few years ago. Protesting the American military presence in Korea and Iraq, he took the stage in front of a crowd and rapped the
following verse:
Kill those ****ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives
Kill those ****ing Yankees who ordered them to torture
Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers
Kill them all slowly and painfully
It reads like something straight out of a crappy commercial hardcore band like Hatebreed, except with a distinct anti-American sentiment. This is sure
to hurt his reputation amongst Americans, but it should be noted that he has released a formal apology:
“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. The song I was featured in –
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.
“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.”
Personally, I do believe that people can change, especially in a time span of eight years, and his apology does seem heartfelt. Still, it doesn't
make it okay to wish death upon soldiers and their families. I don't doubt that he was emotionally conflicted when he made those statements, but
should his reputation be sabotaged because of them?
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