Reports emerged on Friday that the globally viral Korean pop sensation Psy had rapped anti-American military lyrics in 2004, while protesting the US presence in Iraq.
During a song called "Dear American," by the band N.E.X.T., Psy rapped (via New York Magazine):
Mediaite reported that Psy apologized for the lyrics on Friday, citing publicist Matthew Hiltzik.
"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," he said.
The rest of his statement can be read at Mediaite.
The news prompted a short-lived petition to cut Psy from the Christmas in Washington concert scheduled for Dec. 21, according to New York Daily News. The petition had fewer than 500 signatures before it was pulled offline for violating terms.
The Associated Press confirmed that President Barack Obama would be attending the charity concert in Washington. A spokesman said on Friday that the Obama family would be attending the concert as is custom.
Just recently, Psy's video for "Gangnam Style" set the record for most watched YouTube video.