Pop Star Psy Apologizes for Past Anti-American Lyrics Amidst 'Gangnam Style' Fame

The 34-year-old South Korean pop sensation, Psy, familiar to many for his viral hit 'Gangnam Style,' is at the center of a controversy regarding his previous anti-American performances. Despite gaining international acclaim, with the 'Gangnam Style' video amassing over 900 million views on YouTube and projected earnings of $8 million, the star's past actions have raised concerns.

Antecedent Anti-American Sentiment

Troubling details from Psy's past have surfaced, revealing a 24-year-old Psy who protested against the presence of 37,000 U.S. troops in South Korea. In 2002, he crushed a model of an American tank during a concert to oppose the accidental deaths of two Korean schoolgirls by U.S. military forces.

Two years later, Psy performed a song with lyrics written by the band N.E.X.T., expressing intense animosity toward the U.S. intervention in Iraq and the mistreatment of captives, following the execution of a Korean missionary. The lyrics of the protest song 'Dear American' incited significant outrage due to their aggressive content advocating violence against Americans:

'Kill those fucking Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives
Kill those fucking Yankees who ordered them to torture
Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers
Kill them all slowly and painfully.'

Backlash and Apology

Following the resurfacing of his early protests, conservative media criticized Psy for his previous demeanor, contrasting it with his current global popularity. The criticism escalated, sparking a petition to cancel his performance at the White House. In response, Psy issued an apology explaining that his past actions were part of a broader anti-war sentiment and an emotional response to events at the time. He acknowledged the inappropriateness of the lyrics and expressed regret for any harm caused.

Psy's predicament is not unique, as various artists have historically used their music to voice strong opposition to U.S. military actions, a trend that includes notable acts such as Outkast, Rage Against the Machine, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Bob Dylan.

controversy, apology, protest