"Gangnam Style" Singer Psy Apologizes for Anti-American Statements: Will He Still Perform for Obama?
Psy
Psy has issued a formal apology for the anti-American statements he made at a protest concert in 2004.
The South Korean rapper whose chart-topping song "Gangnam Style" became a pop culture phenomenon earlier this year, came under fire for performing a song several years ago that features such lyrics as "Kill those f---ing Yankees who ordered them to torture/Kill their daughters, mothers, daughter-in-law and fathers/Kill them all slowly and painfully."
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"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 said in a statement to E! News. "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."
As of now, Psy is still scheduled to appear at the Christmas in Washington concert on Dec. 21, which President Barack Obama and his family plan to attend. The rapper says he hopes that with his apology, he can move forward.
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"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."
What do you think of Psy's comments?