Psy apologizes for past anti-American lyrics

Singer Psy, mired in controversy concerning his performance of a song containing anti-American lyrics several years ago, is still scheduled to perform at an annual Christmas special in Washington, D.C.

In 2004, the rapper joined in the singing of a Korean-language song titled “Dear America,” written by metal band N.EX.T, which called for the slaying of U.S. soldiers and their families. A story on the performance appeared in the U.S. media last week. 

Part of the lyrics read, “Kill those f―king Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives/Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law, and fathers/Kill them all slowly and painfully.”

On Friday, he released an official apology stating, “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 explained that it was a deeply emotional reaction to both the war in Iraq and the death of two middle-school girls who were struck and killed by a U.S. military vehicle outside of Seoul, which ignited strong anti-American sentiments across the nation.

“While it’s important we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so,” he said. “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.”

The revelation of Psy’s participation in the song led to the launching of a petition on the White House website demanding that he be removed as a performer at this year’s “Christmas in Washington” holiday performance, where President Obama and his family are expected to attend.

However, the White House had officially taken down the petition, stating that it violated the terms of participation.

The show will air on a U.S. cable network, TNT, on Dec. 21.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)