Psy apologizes for his 2004 anti-American remarks, performs for Pres. Obama

My affection for Psy had been growing over the past few months. He seemed like a cool dude, he seemed genuinely thrilled with his growing fame, and he seemed to be working really hard to “happen” with American audiences. But last week, one of Psy’s old performances has come back to haunt him. The year was 2004. America and our allies (including South Korea) were engaged in a blood-soaked occupation of Iraq. A South Korean missionary was kidnapped by terrorists in Iraq (I think the group was Al Qaeda In Iraq) and the terrorists demanded that South Korea abandon the Iraqi occupation. South Korea did not negotiate, and the missionary was murdered. At the time, Psy was performing with other Korean artists and he rapped about the death of Americans. Psy has now issued an explanatory apology:

Psy may be everywhere in 2012 with his smash hit “Gangnam Style,” but it’s a 2004 performance by the South Korean sensation that’s raising eyebrows today … and forced him to apologize for the words he used.

According to reports, in October of that year, Psy took part in a concert in which he joined several other prominent artists onstage for a version of Korean rock group NEXT’s song “Dear American,” and after seizing the microphone, rapped a verse that stated “F—ing Yankees” and their families, should be killed “slowly and painfully.”

The concert reportedly took place months after the kidnapping — and subsequent beheading — of South Korean missionary Kim Sun-il by an Islamist group, who demanded the nation cancel plans to send 3,000 troops to support the U.S. war in Iraq. After the South Korean government refused to back down, Kim’s execution was videotaped, with the masked executioner stating “Korean citizens, you were warned, your hands were the ones who killed him … your soldiers are here not for the sake of the Iraqis, but for cursed Americans.”

After the beheading, massive protests erupted across South Korea, with citizens taking to the streets over the nation’s plans to send troops to Iraq. And it also helped fuel anti-American sentiment in the country, which had been simmering for almost two years, following the killing of two 13-year-old South Korean girls by members of the U.S. military — which has maintained a large presence in the country since 1954 — and their subsequent acquittal by American military courts. Psy also performed at a protest concert following that event, one where he lifted an American tank above his head and smashed it on the stage.

That action somewhat understandably garnered no international coverage at the time, though given Psy’s current international standing, his 2004 performance has created a firestorm. It bears mention that no video of the performance exists, and that the translation of Psy’s lyrics currently making the rounds appears spotty at best — a Korean employee for MTV News, for instance, pointed out that Psy actually rapped “bitches” instead of “Yankees.”

Still, the vitriol in those lyrics was readily apparent, and on Friday (December 7), Psy issued a statement to MTV News, apologizing to anyone his words offended.

“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 — from eight years ago — was part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq and the killing of two innocent Korean civilians that was part of the overall antiwar sentiment shared by others around the world at that time,” the statement read. “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 anyone 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,” the statement concluded. “While it’s important 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 though music, our universal language we can all come together as a culture of humanity and I hope that you will accept my apology.”

[From MTV]

I think Psy’s apology was well-thought-out and explanatory. He knows what he did was wrong and offensive in the larger sense, and he’s sorry about it (I believe he’s genuine) but he’s also seeking to put his awful comments into some kind of context. While I think Psy crossed a line (and he knows he crossed a line), I think his apology is sufficient. I remember how angry the South Koreans were about the war and about the American troops still stationed at the 39th Parallel. I remember how anyone protesting the war or demanding accountability from their government was dismissed. My biggest fear isn’t a Korean rapper’s eight-year-old statements. My biggest concern is that we didn’t learn the real lessons of what the Iraq War taught the US and our allies. It really bugs me to see the way history has been and is being re-written to make it sound like everyone was for the Iraq War, or that it wasn’t a huge controversy at the time, or that there wasn’t a lot of purposeful misinformation and propaganda spread around the US and our allies.

Anyway, some say that Psy should have been disinvited from the “Christmas at Washington” event last night, which was attended by Pres. Obama. Psy was not disinvited, and he performed “Gangnam Style”. Pres. Obama did not directly address Psy or the controversy.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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157 Responses to “Psy apologizes for his 2004 anti-American remarks, performs for Pres. Obama”

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  1. Ina says:

    He should have been disinvited.

  2. Lipsy says:

    I completely agree with you Kaiser!

  3. Riana says:

    I really like him and I don’t believe he should have been dis-invited.

    I think the reality is we are human. He said some HORRIBLE things, but they came from a place of anger and hurt. One of the greatest issues, as you said, was how the Iraq War started and how people’s differing opinions were dismissed in pursuit of a single goal.

    I also say it doesn’t help matters that we had a woefully ignorant President and his staff that essentially changed the reasons for our occupation every month. America has a very unfavorable opinion in other countries, right or wrong, and Iraq didn’t help in the least.

    What Psy rapped was sadly being echoed by many other people in many different nations.

    • Amelia says:

      Very nicely put 🙂
      I remember the majority of the Iraq war going completely over my head at the time (I was still at school) and I can’t really remember the public’s reaction, but I do remember a lot of my family being majorly p*ssed off and angry at the invasion. Particularly because I’m from a Forces family and some close relatives and friends got packed off to Iraq.

      • JD says:

        Amelia, I don’t understand your point.
        You say you had close relatives in the military that were “packed off” to Iraq.

        That’s part of being in the military. You never know where or when you will be sent somewhere. If you don’t like that, then you don’t join the armed forces.

      • flan says:

        I think what Amelia means is that service men and women should be expected to defend their country and also perhaps go on missions to protect citizens in other countries when there’s a genocide or another disaster or assist allies.

        For some people going to Iraq does not fall under any of those categories.

      • JD says:

        But you know when you join the military you will be expected to take part in conflicts you may not agree with. If you don’t like that, then the armed forces are not for you.
        You can’t pick and choose where you go or what you do.
        And, this is an all-volunteer military; no one is drafted any more.

      • LAK says:

        JD – ‘Packed off’ is a british colloquialism. I am sure there are American Colloquialisms we don’t understand, and i would ask rather than jump down someone’s throat [another British colloquialism] and make a negative judgement of their statement.

        FYI – to be ‘packed off’ means to be sent to a place usually the place is names eg i was packed off to school. It’s not a negative expression. And Amelia isn’t being rude about members of her family being sent to Iraq or the military. I sure she is fully aware of the expectations of the military.

      • JD says:

        I know what packed off means. I don’t see why you think I was “jumping down her throat” about it, though.

        I don’t understand her being angry because some of her family members were sent to Iraq. You join the military, they own you.

      • LAK says:

        JD – Perhaps you need to read Amelia’s post again.

        She is talking about her FAMILY reaction. She helpfully points out that she herself was at school and that she didn’t truly understand what was going on.

        Her family were angry, i presume because many people were angry at that particular invasion, and especially being from a military background meaning that regardless of personal feeling, they still had to go. Imagine dying for a cause you don’t believe in.

        As she is from a military background, pretty sure the things you are pointing out aren’t unknown to her.

        Reprimanding her for saying those things is what i mean by jumping down her throat.

      • JD says:

        I did read her post.
        I don’t know WHY anyone in her family would be pissed-off because they were being sent to Iraq. When you join the military, you become their property, and you do what they tell you to do.

        If there is a chance you think you will be made to do something that goes against you, then you do not join the military.

        It seems like her family most of all, since she said they are in the Forces, would understand that.

        And I never reprimanded her. I wanted her to explain the family position. I guess she doesn’t want to.

      • bigt says:

        Agree JD.

    • MerryHappy says:

      I agree. I don’t actually think he would seriously be calling for the torture of anyone–there was enough and is still enough of that going on. I think he was just angry at the time and lagging out. It was confusing who he should be angry at, at the time, and still is. I think his apology was genuine and well-put. I haute gagnam style, but he grew on me and i think the Korean Wave is fascinating

    • Darlene says:

      I agree with you.

    • rose says:

      well put

  4. TheOriginalKitten says:

    “It really bugs me to see the way history has been and is being re-written to make it sound like everyone was for the Iraq War, or that it wasn’t a huge controversy at the time, or that there wasn’t a lot of purposeful misinformation and propaganda spread around the US and our allies.”

    ^THIS! Thank you for saying this.

    • Reece says:

      Seconded.

    • Lou says:

      A lot of countries only joined the Coalition of the Willing because the US bribed them with money and aid. If you look at the members of the coalition, you’ll see how ludicrous some of them are. The Iraq War is vastly unpopular.

      I can see when Psy is coming from. So although I think his comments were terrible, I think his apology was well thought out and meaningful. I’m glad he wasn’t disinvited, that would make the US look so petty.

  5. Mew says:

    Very well done for not disinviting him. There’s no reason to hold on to grudges. He apologized and his explanation is a honest. I see no reason why he should’ve been disinvited. This is just the way to show that US is not the kind of d*ck some people might think but a bigger person who can forgive.

    • flan says:

      Actually I’ve read that lots of Korean bloggers are pretty impressed by the mellow reaction to this of Americans.

      They even admit that if it was the other way around, they would have reacted way angrier.

      • kaligula says:

        Way angrier, indeed. They wouldn’t even have let him off the plane. He’d be banned for life from entering the country.

      • flan says:

        Exactly.

        It’s good for them to see that not in all countries people react as extremely as they tend to do when someone criticizes their country. And this went beyond criticizing.

  6. mzthirtyeight says:

    In the “beginning,” the majority of Americans-including the likes of Hillary Clinton, whom we all know changed positions EVENTUALLY-WERE for the war.I don’t think its painted toward everyone being in support of it, however. I personally felt inundated with media based on the OPPOSITION of the war.
    As for Psy, the lyrics weren’t just snarky insults, they were actually sick in my frank opinion. I think he’s probably just apologizing so as not to jeopardize his growing success in America. I HATE Gangnam Style, but that seriously isn’t a factor in my opinion.

  7. hayley says:

    at first I was really unhappy about his statements but I changed my mind after he issued that apology because it really did sound genuine. something about when he said “I try to give people a release, a reason to smile” made me feel a lot softer about him and I really do think he feels bad.

  8. aims says:

    His comments were disrespectful. However, i personally feel the war in Iraq was a huge mistake and never supported it. I love our military, and am forever thankful for what they do for our country. What I have never understood was, just because someone voices their viewpoint doesn’t mean they don’t love our country. I think its ok to have a diffrent look on things,and not be labled as unamerican.

    • gg says:

      OMG you must not know anybody from overseas then. Quite a few countries can’t stand America. They just don’t holler that we should be killed slowly like this idiot.

      Take the UK for example. Americans assume just because we love them, that they love us back. They do not. I well remember the day I discovered this for myself, and I am American. It was VERY eye-opening.

      • Brittney says:

        I don’t think aims was referring to people from other countries, but to Americans themselves who were called “un-American” or accused of not supporting the troops just because they (we) dared to speak out against the war.

      • flan says:

        Actually lots of people in many countries would like to love America.

        The Iraq war made that hard, but still a massive amount entertainment, cultural similarities, the good-will (though not always good-way) of many Americans are the reasons for this.

        Brits might be exasperated with Americans sometimes, but not all that many actually hate Americans.

      • Really? says:

        Ooh gg, you hit the tender spot right on the head, i am an American in France, and if i had a dollar (euro) for every time i heard “les américains, les américans,” i would be très riche.

        I’ve been here ten years, and it took me this long to finally stop being hurt by it. I grew up LOVING Europe, we were all enamored by it, everything cool and chic came from France, Italy, the UK, etc. I had no idea the feeling was not mutual.

        It was very sad and strange to go from being an open-minded and free-spirited young woman, to overnight turning into an uncultured, unsophisticated, uneducated oaf, just by virtue of relocating overseas.

        Never in my wildest dreams did i think i would be ashamed to say i was American. And even that had nothing to do with military maneuvers. Though i do not agree with the concept of war, there have been worse examples in history, such as the fact that it was Europe who started the First AND THE Second World Wars.

        No, i was ashamed to be American because here in Europe, you can’t be cool unless you’re blasé, discreet, understated. And typically, the majority of us Yanks don’t practice this art. Europeans don’t particularly like overt displays of emotion or vivacity. And what’s worse is that they base their “justified” prejudice on all the friggin’ stereotypes pumped out by the Hollywood factory. It’s maddening.

        Fortunately, in time, i’ve managed to make my way in the European maze…it’s been hard not to lose myself along the way…like Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, “there’s no place like home.” But, after ten years, i realize that i’ve now lived here longer than any other place i’ve lived before. Home truly is where the heart is.

        I’m very glad that Psy apologized (i love his song and the video was adorable), i understand his frustration. He didn’t have to apologize, but he did, and for that alone, he should be commended.

        We are America, we can stomach an offense, we can take a joke, even if the joke’s on US. That is the beauty of a DEMOCRACY. No one should have to die for a sense of humor. No one should have to pay for their freedom of speech with their life, as we see in more restricted albeit uprising regimes in communist/islamist societies.

        Long live democracy. No one is free until we are ALL free. Good on you Psy. And good for me, now i can listen to your song again and be happy. 🙂

    • yoyo says:

      Agreed.

      after 9/11 that was the defacto response: if you voiced an opinion that did not go well with the current administration you were deemed unamerican, unpatriotic and pretty much blacklisted.

      The US got angry with some of its allies based on that when as you say you can disagree without being unamerican or “hating americans” or whatever.

      There was just NO dialogue possible for such a long time on real issues.

      The Bush admnistration basically told the whole world at the UN to shut up and they would do whatever they wanted as no one accepted their blatant lies and unfortunately the american mainstream media that is owned by corporations went on a vast campaign to disinform the public instead of doing its job.

      Not one country that was pro-american before became “un-american” but they were very concerned about allying themselves with an overt act of aggression from the number 1 democracy under false pretense.

      You could see the difference in news coverage on the internet where US news had turned into propaganda and the rest of the world was telling more of the truth (propaganda is everywhere, the level and direction of the spin differs is all). It was embarassing really to see how naive a lot of the US public at large were.

      Psy’s comment went waaaaay over the mark and there’s a whole added history linked to Korea that I don’t think most of us can understand, myself included. The guy is an army dodger in his own country though, so I don’t take him seriously and I don’t think anyone did though he was way out of line. Mixing up individuals with goverment policies is at best childish at worst irresponsible.

      Anyways there is definetly a whitewash effort there going on when it comes to the history of the irak war: who was for and who was against it and when.

      Most of the world was against it not so much because of the action but because of the reason given, wmds and/or supposed links to terrorism were complete non sense and EVERYONE knew it. The Bush administration was insulting everyone by giving that excuse. Now say that it’s personal and you want control of the oil for economic reasons, then the rest of the world might back you or they might not but at least they can have a real and truthful conversation about the subject, and not feel like they are being taken for idiots.

      • flan says:

        Yoyo, well said.

        I found the ‘if you are not for us, you are an enemy’ a very scary thing.

      • flan says:

        I like to add that I agree his comments were way off the mark.

        In fact this is probably the first time many westerners are exposed to some of the nastiness in South-Korea.

        Out of context this just seems like a weird, pshychotic rant, but it’s quite normal in certain circles there to hate Americans.

        This is entwined with sexism. Why? There are few things many Korean men hate as much as a Korean woman who dates non-Koreans. Several white guys there walking with Korean women have been yelled at or even attacked (no matter where they’re from, they get insulted for being American), especially at night. This has happened often enough that some travel guides warn for this.

        Korean women who studied abroad are also often regarded with suspicion of being damaged goods. South Korea lags behind other countries in the regio when it comes to equality for women. Especially China is way ahead of them in that regard.

        The idea that Korean women belong to them, but get ‘stolen’ by Americans is part of this hatred. Having soldiers there is another. As is plain old nationalism.

    • aims says:

      Thank you Brittany. Thats what I meant.

      • aims says:

        an flan i agree 10000000000%. You hit the nail on the head. The iraq war was not our finest hour and really the Bush years were pretty much an ugly time all away around. You cant be a leader by bullying.

  9. Chatcat says:

    I wonder how many active or retired military personnel, especially who served in Iraq, were invited and attended his performance last night for the Prez? They are the ones who deserve the apology IMO.

    Of course this guy will be like MC Hammer was…here and gone pretty quick.

  10. Lindsay says:

    I really enjoy Gangam Style but when I heard the things he said it broke my heart a little. It’s one thing to hate on American politicians but to call for the torture and death of American women and children is a huge step, way too far.

    • SueAnn says:

      SO WELL SAID!

    • Jag says:

      Agreed! It bothers me that he lived here and was educated here, yet later on would have it in himself to call for the slow torture and deaths of Americans. Everyone can have an opinion, but honestly, the only people I’ve ever thought about that kind of way were an abusive ex who disabled me, and another ex who robbed me and my family. His country didn’t have to participate in the war, yet he blames innocent Americans and wants us dead. Yeah, I haven’t ever seen his videos and never will.

      • TG says:

        I agree @Jag – He shold have been disinvited. I also didn’t know that he had been educated in the US. Spreading a message of hatred is never acceptable. That is the whole problem going on right now with terrorists and with how some Americans (including me at times, feel about entire nations). It is never okay to speak about torturing innocent people. He is off my list of people I will support. I personally think he still feels that way but money speaks louder than his own convictions so we already know one thing about him he has zero moral integrity, kind of like that man who was running against Pres. Obama. I voted for Obama, but some of his actions have disturbed me as well. Like why was he attending an event with a terrorist supporter? That is whay this PSY guy is.

    • gg says:

      Lindsay THANK YOU for saying this. What he did shouldn’t be just passed off as, “oh well! he’s cute, we should just forget he wanted innocent people tortured because his song is funnee!” 4UCK THAT.

      His bloody PR person wrote the whole fake apology. Of course he’s sorry he said it – NOW that he wants our capitalist pig money. He needs to hold a press conference himself and read his own apology, not have some lackey “deal with it”.

      This is absolutely nothing like the French flyover ban people are comparing it to downthread. This is the worst thing he could possibly say, especially having been educated in America. Disgusting.

    • Laura says:

      I agree…I loved Gangnam Style and have always thought Psy seemed sweet, humble, and so happy to be making it…I loved him! And then to hear this…horrible.

      Those saying that disinviting him would have been ‘petty’…Do we really want someone endorsing the torture and murder of average American citizens performing for the President? I don’t even like Obama and I find that inappropriate. It’s not criticism of our country, it’s terroristic threats.

  11. Jayna says:

    I’m fine with his apology. Unfortunately, rappers use of lyrics is inflammatory at times. I don’t appreciate the lyrics. I was against the war and have strong feelings about it, but don’t condone such lyrics. I believe his apology, though. Moving on. His video does make me smile.

  12. KellyinSeattle says:

    I’m out of the loop…I’ve never even heard of him.

  13. CandyKay says:

    Fair enough to condemn the Iraq War, but this guy suggested that we should not only kill Americans, but “kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers. Kill them slowly and painfully.”

    He can apologize as much he wants, but I’ll never enjoy his video again.

    • Faye says:

      I was just about to post this, and glad someone else is pointing it out as well. There is zero excuse for language like this – none. What kind of sick human being advocates the slow torture of the “wives, daughters, mothers-in-law” of soldiers just because you disagree with the war the soldiers are fighting? Why does he get a pass just because he made one stupid song?

      And it cracks me up that people don’t see the utter hypocrisy of someone trashing our countrymen like this, but having no problem making millions of dollars off Americans (not to mention the education he got here). As my parents –neither of whom is American– have often said, there is a lot of irony in the criticism you hear from people toward this country while they benefit from it.

      Unfortunately, there is a lot of heightened, often unprovoked anti-American sentiment (along with racism and xenophobia) among Koreans. I say this as someone who enjoys many aspects of Korean culture, such as K-dramas, and who spent some time there for work. I’ve had random men come up to me and assume I was a prostitute because I looked European (even though I’m an extremely conservative dresser), and an African-American woman who lives there and became a friend had horror stories that you wouldn’t believe. Not advocating xenophobia on either side, but I can assure you that if an American had made the comments about Korean soldiers and their innocent families that Psy made about Americans, there is no way they’d be allowed to perform in public. In fact, given the nature of some of the “antis,” they’d be lucky not to get attacked in public.

      • BangBang says:

        THANK YOU! Very well said.

        I am really frightened and dissapointed that he’s getting off so easy when if this was an American saying this about another country he’d be finished.

      • gg says:

        + 2 to CandyKay and Bang Bang.

    • Me says:

      It was not just about the Iraq war, but also about two korean schoolgirls who were run down by a US military vehicle

      http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/08/psy-apologises-anti-american-lyrics?INTCMP=SRCH

      • Faye says:

        That was an accident — for which the U.S. military apologized extensively, and for which they provided huge compensation to the girls’ families. That doesn’t make everything “all right,” but it certainly doesn’t warrant genoicidal rantings against the entire U.S. army and soldiers’ families.

  14. mytbean says:

    wow…

    “F—ing Yankees” and their families, should be killed “slowly and painfully.”

    And he’s saying – what? He should have rephrased it? lol

    Yeah – indeed.

    It’s nice to see that his communication skills (and PR) have improved in the past eight years. :/

  15. SueAnn says:

    I adore him. When I saw his 2004 performance it kind of knocked him down a peg or 2 BUT what he did was in the heat of the war. He has a right to voice his opinions. I don’t think “kill their daughters etc…” is a good opinion though…

  16. Neekie says:

    He should have been disinvited!! This was an event with the President if the United States, not some lower-level meaningless performance. What does that say about our standards and expectations when we celebrate Psy at such a grand level? I guarantee you that his (albeit) well-written apology was not written by him, and his handlers only wrote it bc he was exposed. not because he’s actually sorry. Also, How we personally feel about any specific military situation is irrelevant to deeming Psy’s behavior wrong or right.

  17. SueAnn says:

    The fact that at some point in time he would have enjoyed seeing my daughter killed/tortured slowing is VERY HARD to over look…

  18. Amy says:

    He should have been dis-invited not for his 2004 remarks but because his song effing SUCKS.

  19. lin234 says:

    This fervor over the Gangnam style song is just this years Crouching Tiger Higgen Dragon or slumdog millionare. Every once in a while, Americans like to feel that they are very culturally aware because they watch a foreign film or listen to a song.

    He’ll get some attention over his next song but it won’t have the same impact as this Gangnam style song unless he created a new dance that has the country hyped up over – which is extremely rare and difficult.

    He’s just this years Zhang Ziyi. He’ll make a hustle of it at H-wood but ultimately fail and go back to entertaining in Asia.

    • hairball says:

      @lin234: You know sometimes ‘Americans’ just like a song because they like it. So because the song happened to be from South Korea Americans only like it to feel cultured for a second?

      Pretty ridiculous comment. This song has been in huge hit in many countries other then the U.S. I suppose when the French people had a huge mob singing to it it was only because they wanted to feel cultured?

    • BangBang says:

      This is such bs. Sometimes Americans just like something becasuse it sounds good to them. 99.9% of the US population doesn’t give a hoot where you are from, if you’re good you’re good!

  20. Michelle says:

    I read he didn’t actually write the lyrics and only sang the verse on someone else’s song. (Not to downplay the words sang by Psy) They were against women because of the two girls killed by American servicemen who were never held accountable.

  21. marie says:

    he should have been disinvited. apology or not, he should have had some consequence. there was nothing nice about those lyrics, protest the war-that’s fine but those lyrics were extreme.

    • Chatcat says:

      marie…come on, the more us American’s get maligned the more the maligner is praised and rewarded! Here is HIS words:

      “Kill those f–ing Yankees who ordered them to torture.”

      “Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers.”

      “Kill them all slowly and painfully.”

      Yep, he apologized and got to go to the White House. Me, the taxpaying woman American who would never wish somebody killed for any reason can’t even get past the gate for a tour.

      Like I said earlier, at least he has no staying power.

  22. Garvels says:

    What’s the big deal…everyone hates the USA. People come here from other countries,make their millions and then slam the USA afterwards.

    • hairball says:

      @Garvels: Sadly, I have to agree there is some truth to that. I was on YouTube and some guy was posting what was going on in Syria. He is in Syria and was bashing about the U.S. I found it pretty ironic he was using YouTube – an American site- to do this. Does he not see the irony I wonder?

      • Really? says:

        Dude, hairball, yes, i see the irony all the time…what really gets my goat is when certain current immigrants “pledge their honor” to a democratic country the day they are sworn in at city hall, knowing full well that they are crossing their fingers behind their backs, lying for a “greater cause”…they deplore democracy, yet use it as a vehicle to come in on their Trojan horse in hopes to eventually dismantle the very government they benefit from, it’s absolutely MADDENING! And yet, the stupid government just keeps letting them come in on a wing and a prayer…don’t me wrong, i am not xenophobe, i am PRO DEMOCROCY AND UNIVERSAL RIGHTS.

        There is a difference, but sadly, not all agree on this fact.

  23. hairball says:

    He should have apologized and I am glad he did. I do think too he is very sincere about it.

    Emotions were running extremely high back then when Bush and a few people decided we should take over another country that had nothing to do with 9/11. They were on a campaign to convince us Iraq was connected to 9/11. Then they essentially tried to bully other countries into going into the war with us.

    After 9/11, the comments I had about people in the middle east were very, very horrible and I am totally ashamed I thought them. It was a very emotional, horrible time for the world. He sincerely apologized and I think the worst thing to do would be to turn our back on all the good will this song has created.

    • aims says:

      Right. He said he was sorry. Things were so heated back then. Id hate for someone to go back 8 years ago on me. Lets move on.

    • Laura says:

      Wow, I remember after 9/11 being so touched by all the Muslim agencies that reached out to the U.S. and condemned the attacks….And I’m fairly conservative.

  24. thatttbitch says:

    I ℓ♥√e psy ..no matter what he said ..we’ve all said stupid things when we’re angry and to me it was justified ..why should he be judged for something
    That happened 8 years ago ..he’s probably moved on

  25. gabe says:

    Irag was the mother of all clusterf*cks, I think much of the planet agrees on this. But I’m still offended by Psy’s lyrics and I still think he should have been disinvited. Yes, he’s sorry, and yes, he has the right to say whatever he wants, but he shouldn’t have been given such a privilege. Then again, I guess the White House didn’t want to look petty?

    It’s one thing to be angry, but like many others here have commented, I will never be ok with his lyrics urging the murder of American wives, daughters, civilians. He’s furious at the US government and at the military? Ok. But to urge the murder of civilian families in some kind of eye for an eye justice is not ok, not with me. There is something about that that shows another level of hate.

    What really irritates me about all this (apart from always having disliked that song) is that Psy put himself out there as some funny, harmless Asian caricature (my South Korean ex-flatmate has a lot to say about this) and the American public ate it all up. One must wonder what Psy’s been thinking this whole time, selling this soft image to Americans he once rapped about killing. Almost makes me feel for him a little, sweating it out just waiting for his secret to be uncovered.

    Anyhow, he’s done. He was never going to be more than a one-hit wonder anyway, but now there’ll be far, far less of those American civilians lining his pockets with cash.

    • gg says:

      Frankly, I sincerely hope he is taken aside, alone in a room with some military folk with families, and made to sweat quite a bit more for saying this $hit. I do not forgive him. This weak attempt at a second-party apology is a joke.

  26. Mich says:

    I was visiting the States the night of the Iraqi invasion and was SHOCKED to see my old friends and their children cheering as the bombs lit the sky.

    While I have spent the majority of my adult life outside America, it is my homeland and, quite frankly, I was sickened.

    Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis died because of US actions. Torture became ‘ok’ for America to get what it wanted. And people are freaked out because this pudgy little man sang a song in the midst of all of this? There is just something blindly and arrogantly wrong with that.

    • Lama says:

      Thank you. Very well said

    • Chatcat says:

      And all the more reason for us to stay out of Syria even though their President is arming missiles to kill his own people with WMD (Saran gas warheads). I feel horrible for the 30,000 killed so far and the hundreds of thousands that probably will be killed. But the US needs to stay out because of exactly this attitude of the US. Let France, England, Germany or South Korea or whomever stand up for the Syrian people.

      • Mich says:

        Syria is a completely different kettle of fish, far more like genocide in Rwanda than phantom weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

        I strongly believe that armed responses are required and even noble in certain situations.

      • Chatcat says:

        I don’t disgree that armed responses are necessary sometimes, just not the American’s this time. Let somebody else take on this one. Nope, our people and our resources need to stay completely out of it.

        Oh, and btw, Saddaam did use Saran gas on his own people (i.e. genocide that you speak of) and the UN declared, pre Iraq invasion, that Saran gas delivered in any form is in fact a WMD.

      • Mich says:

        That was in 1988 (when America was also at war with Iraq). There were no WMDs in Iraq in 2003.

        I could actually go on about this for ages, but won’t 😉 Watching the US from the outside in the build-up to the invasion was heartbreaking. Orange alerts were regularly being declared the day before Rice or Powell were due to present falsified ‘evidence’ to the UN, for example.

        Terrifying times, let’s hope we don’t see the like again for a long, long while.

      • JD says:

        Mich, I don’t think we were fighting Iraq in 1988.
        Iran and Iraq were at war, I believe we were on Iraqs’ side during that time.

    • kibbles says:

      Bravo. Well said, Mich.

  27. Samantha says:

    I’m sorry but those remarks he made 8year ago should not be held against him. I really wish people could imagine living in another country occupied by the US of A in the name of freedom. Imagine someone actually killing your mothers and daughters and not just rapping about it, it happens everyday. If this happened in American you would probably feel the same kind of frustration and resentment. I’m not saying it’s right what he said, but then again, I’ve never been in that situation. Get over it

    BTW, I hate that song…..lol

    • Mich says:

      Very well said.

      This man’s crime is words. Whether or not America is ready to admit it, it has actually done these things.

    • Faye says:

      Psy is from South Korea, a country not “occupied” by the U.S. So what’s his excuse for saying things like that?

      Also, where on earth is the U.S. out murdering people’s wives and daughters? Please enlighten me.

      Finally, if an American entertainer wrote a song about how we should kill all the perpetrators of terrorist acts like 9/11, and we should “slowly murder” their wives, daughters, etc., does that mean you would be understanding and forgiving about it? Honest answer.

    • kibbles says:

      +1. The American government has done a million times worse than anything Psy could possibly sing about. Hoping someday Americans will hold their government accountable for all the war crimes committed overseas in the last 10+ years.

      • BangBang says:

        Excuse me?? What are we supposed to do here? What is your goverment like? I am like a super hippy anti war kind of person but I am so sick and tired of all of us being lumped together and stereotyped.

        One thing is for sure, stories like this and reactions like this make me love this country and its people even more. I rest knowing that even thoug we are FAR FROM being perfect, I would not lieve anywhere else.

        I would also know what country in this universe is perfect and with no fault. Please tell me all about it.

  28. spinner says:

    Yeah…Chris Brown said he was sorry too.
    He’ll be the next one to entertain at the White House.

    Also…what a slap in the face to our Armed Forces that Psy was even invited to the White House. This does not bode well.

    • Chatcat says:

      Yep, for every American soldier that in fact protected a daughter, mother, daughter-in-law and father in Iraq, as well as any other place on this earth. Yet they get no thank you, and on here today they are still getting a big ‘screw you’ by at least half the posters on this thread.

      I hope in the future no Americans go off to foreign lands to fight a war or for any other reason. Stay here and protect and serve us here…let everybody else fight their own battles and take care of themselves, afterall, charity begins at home and then the Psy’s of the world can’t wish us and our’s dead then make money off it! 🙂

      • garvels says:

        I completely agree. We definitely should not get involved with the Syria mess…people around the globe will use our intervention as a reason to hate us more.

      • BangBang says:

        I so agree with you, we need to take care of our own and stop getting involved with other countries. I don’t understand why we do, it’s not like we don’t need help right here at home.

  29. Mac says:

    Deep-seated hatred seldom changes direction as easily as that of a weathervane.

  30. JD says:

    Maybe next time North Korea invades the South we can leave them to fight their own battles.
    Let’s see how much this doofus cries under Kim Jong-whatever’s regime.

    • garvels says:

      Yep..I completely agree.

    • Melissa says:

      Maybe Americans should worry about the state of their OWN country, rather than trying to ‘fix’ everyone elses.

      • JD says:

        Yep.
        We’re the Evil Americans, until there is a natural disaster, war, or some other tragedy. The United States is almost always the first country to help, AND the most generous.

      • Chatcat says:

        I totally agree! That is what I have said repeatedly up thread. No matter what is happening the US troops should completely stay out of it. Terrible things are being done right this second in many many countries to millions and millions of people and will continue to happen but the US troops need to stay out of it! The problem is that when America involves itself it is our fault, and if we don’t then the rest of the world will blame that on us too! But if the sentiments of today about Iraq are any indication, and those of the Vietnam era are any indication, many Americans, and most of the world hate us either way so keep the troops at home to keep those of us who do appreciate them close. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. America needs to stop going to the hell well for so many that just don’t appreciate it in the end anyway.

      • Melissa says:

        Removed.

      • gg says:

        I agree Chatcat. I am very anti-war, and anti-violence, which is why I cannot condone this incident.

    • kibbles says:

      So you are generalizing about all Koreans because of something one Korean rapper said nearly a decade ago? Isn’t your thinking the same thing we are criticizing Psy for doing? So you would rather sit by and have North Korea occupy the South (an ally of the USA) and possibly kill millions of innocent South Koreans because you’re angry over one singer’s lyrics? Seriously?

      • JD says:

        So it’s ok for the United States to defend his country, but not to be in the middle east?

        What about all of the North Koreans that the United States military might(gasp) kill?

        Don’t complain, and sing vulgar lyrics about the U.S. and still want us to defend you.

        Get tired of people trashing the U.S policies, but still expect us to be there when it happens to them.
        Maybe he should be thanking the U.S. for protecting his country?

      • kibbles says:

        There is a difference between going to war with a purpose of defending allies from “evil” or an enemy of the USA as opposed to the War in Iraq (there was no reason for us to occupy Iraq even after 9/11. Iraq had nothing to do with the 9/11 terrorist attacks) and the “War on Terror” which is indefinite and also undermines the civil liberties of Americans living at home and abroad. Our involvement in WWII made sense in part because of the Pearl Harbor attack and Hitler. The “War on Terror” has gotten so far from its original purpose which was to actually protect us from another terrorist attack. The “War on Terror” has made us more vulnerable to future attacks because it only increased anti-American sentiment across the Middle East and around the world.

      • JD says:

        You can’t have it both ways.
        If you think the U.S. is that bad, then defend your own country.
        This guy is a hypocrite. If he thinks we are so bad, then let’s see what happens when the North tries invading again. The North Koreans will make anything we have done look like a walk in the park.

      • Buckwild says:

        JD: let’s be real, don’t assume that the US is protecting Korea out of benevolence. They gain a huge market for arms and military gear there and pretty much free rein over their activities thanks to the power imbalance. Korea has a mandatory service military at full service at all times. Let’s not make it sound like the US is the one holding up that barrier against N Korean invasion. US has as much to gain, they like the strategic point in Korea bc this way they can be close to China and Japan and have a finger in everything that goes on, as usual (not saying this is a problem, that’s just the role of a superpower such as the US. But it shouldn’t be made to sound as if US alone is holding back n Korean invasion).

        And regardless of the situation, Psy’s comments were horrific but some of the comments here are in bad taste as well. Lots of “oh well yeah see what it’s like if we leave, you’ll all die!!” type of sentiment. It’s very distasteful. And this is from someone who has a relatively good opinion of the US’s role in the world (Canadian here)

      • JD says:

        We are there because we are still at war with North Korea. The cease-fire has never been lifted.
        If the United Nations is there, we have to be there.

        Has nothing to do with what the U.S. has to gain, or having a finger on anything.

    • kaligula says:

      It really hurts Korean pride to know that they are dependent on us for security. They try to make themselves feel better about it in a variety of ways.

  31. Amy says:

    I remember the beginning of the Iraq War very well because France refused to support the invasion of Iraq. All of a sudden, France was the “enemy” and Americans called for boycotting French products, it got pretty nasty. The French government didn’t even make the kind of comments Psy made, yet the American media was pretty vicious when it went after France. It struck a chord with my family because my father is French and I attended a French-American bilingual school at the time–the school made sure to fly below the radar and refused to comment on the situation. Some families who sent their kids to my school were targeted by some angry Americans who spray painted derogatory graffiti on their front door. I live outside of New York City and there is a strong French expat community here.

    However 8 years later, the war is over and relations between the US and France are friendly again, all has been mostly forgiven. What Psy said was pretty harsh, but the behavior of our fellow Americans towards people living in their own country back then wasn’t exactly admirable either.

    • JD says:

      I remember that. Bill O’Rielly was calling for a boycott of everything French. Pretty stupid, in my opinion.
      France wasn’t bashing us, they just didn’t want to get involved.

    • Mich says:

      In the Capitol cafeteria, they renamed French Fries “Freedom Fries”.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      Hey Amy-

      Half-Frenchie here too (mom is from France) and I too remember the hatred of any and all things French. I remember one night where I was out with a close friend and his brother who was visiting and when his brother found out I was half-French, the dude launched into a full-on tirade.

      I’m not saying that his a-holery excuses Psy’s comments, just that as
      Americans, we’re not immune from displaying xenophobic behavior.

      • Amy says:

        Yeah it was very uncomfortable at the time. The school I attended refused to comment to the media about the Iraq War. Thank God things are back to normal.

        I just wanted to make a point that a lot of Americans did and said some pretty inexcusable things at the time as well. What PSY said and did was wrong and I’m glad he apologized. However, Americans were no saints back then either.

  32. Melissa says:

    Can’t hate on him for it, honestly when the war first started I myself was mad as hell my people were going off to fight and die for a war that wasn’t ours, that to me, had no real validity. I felt at the time, that maybe the war in Afghanistan was legitimate, but invadeing Iraq was about nothing but greed. His comments weren’t right, but at least his apology was sincere.

  33. Jane says:

    Everybody hated America in 2004.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      Indeed. Hell, in 2004, I still loved my country but I gave up defending what I found to be indefensible. The actions of one awful 8-year administration really created a lot of venom from the rest of the world.

      So yeah, we still have a long road back from the destruction caused by Bush’s Brain.

      I hope nobody takes this comment as a defense of Psy’s remarks. I have no idea who this guy is but what he said was disgusting.

      • Jayna says:

        The same for me. What that war did to our country financially and our troops is heartbreaking. There was a backdoor draft going on, a dirty little secret. The amount of tours these servicemen have done is horrendous to them and their families at home. And if it had been said we do not have enough troops to sustain this war and we need to implement a draft, guess what, no one would have been for this war. They knew that. So instead our servicemen paid the price, being sent back over and over and over. The injuries in this war have been unprecedented and catastrophic. All the tramatic brain injuries are a lifetime and where are the resources? Not enough. Multi-limb injuries, two, three limbs, even four. What isn’t talked about are all the penis injuries, loss of, permanently damaged.

        I had a neighbor so pro-Bush, pro the war, even after the first term, like her other rich Republican friends. Guess what? None of their sons or daughters after graduation joined and they didn’t want them to. And then my neighbor’s son all of a sudden told her he was joining a program that after college would send him into the Army, putting him in the war. She was terrified and sobbing and said this war would never be worth the untold injuries or death of her son and called a retired colonel, who was a dear friend, who told her talk him out of it. Funny how when it all of a sudden could affect her life, her family, she was against the war, and told me she would hate George Bush if her son died. So this war was so distant to many, not affecting them, that it was easy just to say, okay, I guess it’s what we should do and be ambivilent four years into the war.

        The day George W. was re-elected was a dark, dark, dark day for me. I have always supported whatever president was elected if I voted for them or not. I tried to give Bush support for the first few years, even though against the war, and couldn’t anymore. He was such a poor president in so many ways. I always think how different it all might have been if Gore hadn’t been robbed of that election in 2000 and no Iraq War.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        WOW, Jayna. That’s a really powerful story about your neighbor’s son-and very sad. However, I think your story perfectly exemplifies the kind of blind support that the Bush administration got from the Right during that time period. Even today, most Republicans refuse to acknowledge the destruction caused to this country during that time-there’s a lot of deep denial going on there. It’s easy to support the president’s decision from far away, a bit different when it directly affects your family.

        I’m just relieved that administration is in the past. It took 8 years to really wreck this country, it’s going to take at least 8 years to get it back on track.

  34. Riana says:

    On a different topic the issue of the role of a nation and what it means to be a global moral nation is a good thought-provoker.

    I’ve taken quite a few courses on the subject which is one reason why it fascinates me. Namely it asks the question of the role of a developing nation and how the actions of that nation extend on a global level.

    It examines the ways in which America sabotaged other nations and the manner in which they were forced to develop or hindered in their development as a result of this interference. Then it asks what responsibilities you have as a well-developed nation towards those struggling.

    A really simple comparison being something like bullying. If you see someone being bullied and do nothing then what moral ground do you stand on? It also suggests that the issue is not black and white. There’s been many things America has done in the interest of ‘good will’ that had more to do with securing a valuable resource for itself.

    When a problem is ignored and allowed to fester (consider the issue of Hitler) then only becoming involved when it becomes ‘our’ problem makes us culpable in the tragedy.

    Like I said, very fascinating, it is not a black and white issue to be sure. It is one reason why global issues are so delicate and why we have to examine things from different POV.

  35. Gracie says:

    I was 8 back in ’03 and I barely remember 9/11 and don’t remember anything at all about the Iraq war. That said, even I know his comments were disgusting and wrong. Being someone’s daughter, he wants me to be tortured and killed. Screw this guy. His song is lame, anyways. What gall, what audacity this imbecile has to make millions off Americans and say that. Yes it was 8 years ago, but hatred and stupidity has no expiration date. I don’t mean to sound xenophobic, but there’s really no place for an American outside America is there? I’ve never been out the country, so I wouldn’t know, I just hope these sentiments aren’t held everywhere.

    • LAK says:

      Goodness, if you’ve never been outside of america how can you isolate yourself based on what the media tells you is the truth and miss out the chance to see the world??

      So some guy said terrible things 8yrs ago, America has done equally shitty things to the world. Still doesn’t make me not want to come visit America. And i don’t blame every American for those shitty things.

      The world isn’t black and white.

      Go walkabout. Ypu may hate or love it, but you won’t regret it.

      You are too young to be closing your mind like this already.

      googling it isn’t the same as seeing and experiencing it.

  36. kibbles says:

    I wish more Americans would get this angry over the actual killing of innocent human beings because of American foreign policy, not just over a foreign rapper who sang about it a decade ago. The anti-American sentiment at that time was understandable. Most of the world (correctly) disagreed with the US going to war in Iraq and Afghanistan along with occupying other countries where many of its citizens do not need nor want our presence there. The US remains in these countries and the “War on Terror” will continue far into the future with many more actual killings of American soldiers and innocent foreign civilians. Unfortunately, Americans continue to support these policies by voting in the millions for politicians who have no problem occupying and killing millions of more innocent people in foreign lands. In my opinion, actual killing is a million times worse than someone singing about it. We need to get our priorities in check.

    • JD says:

      Well, like I said earlier, get us out of these countries, and let them fight their own battles. Let South Korea defend themselves, let Syria fight it out, and so on.

      The U.S. is damned if we do, damned if we don’t.

      I thought the President was going to get us out of the middle east, anyway. Seems like we got out of Vietnam quicker than this.

      • Chatcat says:

        JD I so agree. Egypt, Syria, Sudan, or any other country we stay out of…out of war, out of natural disasters anything that puts our troops in harms way. It’s a global economy yes, but leave it at that.

        If tomorrow the lid blows off between North and South Korea, we stay away completely. Let them resolve it themselves without our help. Same in the Middle East.

        I am tired of our troops dying in vain helping non Americans…no matter where in the world it is they are maligned…even an Autstrailian here today called some American troops “scum”…like their radio DJ’s maybe. Enough…we solve our own problems and defend ourselves and let everybody else do it for themselves too.

      • JD says:

        Yep.

        North Korea is getting ready to launch a missile, and guess whose Navy is out there patrolling the ocean?

        But we are nasty bullies that terrorize the world.

        And I read this guy is a draft-dodger in his own country? Maybe he needs to stop going to the White House and get his rear home to protect his country instead of expecting us to do it.

      • SandyStrange says:

        ^What you guys are saying times 1million. Granted, I don’t like the war and still don’t, but nobody else in the world like stepping up either. What would this one hit wonder do if his country was invaded? Probably take his millions and hide out somewhere safe. As someone who has close ties to the military, this saddens me. I know a lot of the soldiers over there are NOT Bloodthirsty killers. But there families deserve to die? Nice.

        America isn’t perfect, no, but trust me, the rest of the world made their money off the wars as well, even the ones who pretended so much anger. This is what makes me think America should become isolationist, atleast to some extant.

  37. Selena says:

    I was against the Iraqi war, but not against the troops that served there. I am against the American troops occupying parts of my nation (Australia) but not against the individuals. In fact many of the American troops are lovely, but some are scum. The scariest thing about the policy of the American armed forces is that if the individuals do something wrong overseas they are immediately (and I mean IMMEDIATELY) shipped out to unknown destinations and incidents are hushed up. I know personally of two gang rapes in one town (Darwin) committed by American troops that have been dealt with in this manner. I have heard about other incidents but cannot vouch for their truth or not, however at least three others sound right. As there are still thousands of American troops occupying parts of South Korea I am sure they face the same issues there. At least in South Korea they don’t bow to American pressure in the same way that our government does in Australia and some Americans are brought to justice http://www.voanews.com/content/new-scrutiny-for-us-troops-in-south-korea-133348673/147780.html However, there is a lot of anti-American sentiment there too. Psy is known for his controversial lyrics (two rated albums and calling for banning of his music) and I am sorry to say but America is a very easy target because of military and diplomatic bullying.

  38. Jinny says:

    I just want to share my perspective on this as a South Korean. There will always be some anti-Americanism in Korea (as in most other countries) especially because there are political forces trying to take advantage of such sentiments, but 2004 was definitely the worst. There were a lot of other issues other than the Iraqi war, but I don’t want to go into that… It wasn’t that all Korean singers were performing hateful songs, but any celebrity who praised the US in public would have been harshly attacked. But things have changed significantly since 2007~8 Thanks to Obama and our pro-American president.
    I don’t have much to say in terms of Psy’s performance, other than that it was grossly wrong, hurtful, and indefensible. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ended his career in the US. While I can’t judge whether Psy’s performance for Pres. Obama was appropriate, one thing I can say for sure is that the fact he wasn’t disinvited made Koreans respect the US a lot more. Any foreigner who dared to sing something that offensive would be forever banned from tv in Korea (ppl are pretty unforgiving toward celebrities) so the fact that he wasn’t disinvited was met by surprise. It truly showed how open and forgiving Americans are. I’ve heard many people saying that “we should be more like Americans” since this incident. 🙂

    • Really? says:

      Thank you Jinny, for sharing your insight and point of view. You bring up a very good point: that he would have been condemned for showing any support at that time, and that he was for the most part supported by the government hence the public for this sentimental display of creative criticism. I get it. I can put myself in his shoes. I’m just glad i don’t have to walk a mile in them. Democracy is my cup of tea.

      I had a Korean roommate once, and she was one of the nicest, coolest chicks i ever knew. She had good qualities, very loyal and ethical friend, she taught me the gift of generosity. And her dad owned and operated a Korean restaurant where we ate all the time, for free, yuuummmmm…

      So, our government and war policies aside, anyone can come to America and find friends, regardless of race or religion. It’s amazing. Ironically, it’s my immigrant friends who made me most proud of America. But that shouldn’t be shocking. America was founded by immigrants. European immigrants to be exact. Most people like to overlook that.

      Thanks again Jinny.

  39. whakyungkim says:

    He did not literally mean kill Americans. It was more metaphorical, but still too extreme. I accept his apology…and listen, Psy never tried to become famous in U.S. or make money off Americans. It was youtube that made it happen…his fame came accidentally….he never sought it! He is an artist after all…and there are rappers that literally shot people or were imprisoned. I believe Psy is really genuinely sorry…accept his apology and enjoy his music. We all make mistakes and I was so against the war too! And many Koreans like U.S…and most people in the world have a love/hate relationship with the U.S. because it is such a powerful country.

  40. Armybratos says:

    As a former army brat who lived in S. Korea, I just want to say @ Buckwild is right when s/he said there are a lot of stories about US servicemen acting horribly in S Korea (rape etc.). South Korea is not an “occupied country”, but having smelled first hand the tear gas during the student riots in the late 1980’s, I can tell you the US military presence is very strong and very resented, especially with the young population.

    What Psy said was horrible, but I think it was reactionary to horrible events that took place at a time when anti-american sentiment was at an all time high (thanks W). I really do think he does feel bad about it, and not just for his career. He seems like a really humble guy who loves American culture, studied in the US and probably has a lot of American friends. It was in the context of events that led to the killings of his country men and the whole concert was probably filled with negative sentiment.

    Yes it was horrible, but as the daughter of a US servicemen and fan of “Gangnam Style”, I’m willing to forgive him. I think he has a lot more to offer than just a one hit wonder and it would be a shame for the first asian mega hit maker to be stopped here.

    • Buckwild says:

      Level-headed response. I think it’s hard for those in North America (not sure where you are) to really understand the complexity of the relationship between the US and South Korea. There’s alot of ties and conflicts between them, and though it can verge on irrational, there are heated responses to serious incidents of the US army misbehaving in Korea that are not reported widely in the US. I only became aware of it while researching and writing on the topic for class.

  41. lena80 says:

    So let me get this straight, he raps some extremely over the top LYRICS and people are getting their panties in a bunch over the WORDS of an “artist”, BUT the US CONTINUES to attack, stick their nose in other country’s business for profit, put our troops in UNNECESSARY situations and they are losing their lives, limbs, minds, etc..and come back to very little help from the US Government that they serve and some even live in deplorable situations and there is no major “outrage” from the majority of US citizens or the media for these troops that serve with HONOR (does not pertain those hundreds if not thousands of US troops that commit war crimes, they can burn in Hell) and protect our freedom?

    I swear some people are only “outraged” because the media TOLD you to be. I’m not approving of what he said, but the US as a whole, has WAYYY more things to be worried about than a man that was pissed off several years and made made anti US stupid remarks. There is nothing more anti US than the US NOT helping those troops properly when they get back from fighting wars that nine times out ten we don’t need to be involved in the first place.

    • Jayna says:

      I just saw your post. I just posted something too about the troops a minute ago up higher in response to Original Kitten.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      sorry double-post

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      I think what he said was not ok in any way, shape or form but I completely agree that there are SO many other things to be legitimately outraged about and yeah, I do find it alarming how easily susceptible people are to media manipulation.

      So in short-I agree with you.

      Jayna-posted response above..

    • JD says:

      Yes, we need to do more to help our troops.
      And get out of these countries. Let this draft-dodger go home and defend his own country instead of sending our guys to do it.

      • petitemal says:

        While there was some initial controversy over Psy fulfilling South Korea’s mandatory two-year military term, he ultimately ended up serving a total of four years. So your snide comments alluding to his lack of character and suggesting he fight for his own country are unwarranted.

        Also, the lyrics you quoted and are so enraged over are mistranslated/quoted. There’s no mention of Yankees (thus America/ns), so your vitriol is also unwarranted.

        In any case, it seems rather silly (not to mention a colossal waste of time) to get pissed over inaccurate information. And people who make inaccurate accusations to support their misinformed opinions lose credibility and look rather foolish in the process.

      • JD says:

        Mis-quoted, blah, blah, blah. Or taken out of context. Pretty hard to mis-quote that,and if he was misquoted, then why the fuss?

        He was drafted once, and got out of duty by doing some sort of computer work. But he neglected work to give concerts and the like, so the government wanted him re-drafted. He sued to try to get out of it, and lost.

      • LarryC says:

        @petitemal, the lyrics refer to 양년놈 or literally yang-guys in a not polite form of “guys”. AFAIK everyone understood then and now the ‘yang’ to be short for Yankees, even if that term is not a standard one outside the lyrics of that song. I haven’t heard any Korean speaker quibble with that translation. And if somehow that’s not was meant by ‘yang’ (the only other plausible meaning would be the Korean sound for the Chinese character ‘Western’, not a lot different in the circumstances) Psy could just say ‘it was mistranslated in US media’. He didn’t, because It wasn’t.

      • LarryC says:

        @petitemal, the lyrics refer to 양년놈 or literally yang-guys in a not polite form of “guys”. AFAIK everyone understood then and now the ‘yang’ to be short for Yankees, even if that term is not a standard one outside the lyrics of that song. I haven’t heard any Korean speaker quibble with that translation. And Psy could just say ‘it was mistranslated in US media’. He didn’t, because It wasn’t.

      • LarryC says:

        petitemal, the lyrics refer to 양년놈 or literally yang-guys in a not polite form of “guys”. AFAIK everyone understood then and now the ‘yang’ to be short for Yankees, even if that term is not a standard one outside the lyrics of that song. I haven’t heard any Korean speaker quibble with that translation.

  42. Lushus L. says:

    I’m glad Psy wasn’t dis-invited. That would’ve been rude. After all, this was a Christmas concert, not a Kennedy wedding.

  43. Adrien says:

    Off-topic but I think it was a wise decision for my boss to ban Gangnam-style dance in our Christmas party. Nothing to do with his anti-U.S. past just that it’s been overplayed since Halloween.
    Last Halloween, there were more than 20 people who came as “Psy” (or his buddy in yellow suit) in a party for 100 people. All the Christmas/Hanukkah parties I’ve attended would have people bursting into the horse dance middle of the occasion.

  44. Scott Wilding says:

    Honestly, getting angry at this guy for singing horrible lyrics about killing Americans, in protest of our country’s foreign policy, makes about as much sense as getting angry at songs like “Cop Killer” by Body Count, “F— the Police” by NWA, or practically any song by the Dead Kennedys.

    We are human. We all make mistakes, or at the least do things that we will later regret to some extent (see: John Lennon and Yoko Ono were supporters of John Sinclair, busted for pot in Ann Arbor in the 60s or 70s…and also an advocate of direct attacks against the US Government through bombing, if necessary).

    Quite seriously, for any of you people who are saying just how horrible this guy, who has apologized for the things he’s said, and as far as I know, has never been quoted as saying anything remotely like this ever since…maybe you should think long and hard if you’ve ever done something you needed to be forgiven for…because if you can’t think of one, you’re a liar.

    Signed,

    Scott

    • Scott Wilding says:

      PS: I put myself in the category of people who’ve done crap and needed to apologize/be forgiven for it. I also think the things he said were way over the top…I just think that we, as people in general, pay way too much attention to what a musician happens to do, or say, during a performance.

      I just felt I should add that, since I want it to be known that I don’t at all support what was said…I just know we all say stuff we end up regretting, and usually it’s crap we never actually mean (literally anyway.)

  45. emily says:

    You’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t have something bad to say about war… so who cares

  46. thebutlerdidit says:

    Laughing to myself over so many comments here based on personal anecdotes about Bush, 9/11, war, and Iraq. While most people posting have deep beliefs they’ve worked to have, the knee-jerk, indoctrinated lack of true facts are greatly missing. Enjoy those unmanned drone upticks coming! At least, we won’t have as many US soldiers harmed, just more dead innocents in countries no one cares about with brown terrorists.

  47. Carlyle says:

    In light of all of the American blood that was spilled fighting the Korean war,he should have had the good sense not to appear. His pathetc apology was done merely so that he could continue to rake in as much cash as possible before this one-hit wonder fades back into oblivion. For all of you defending him, don’t be so foolish. Be proud to be an American, you don’t need to be apologizing for living in the country most of the world wishes they lived in.