Posted on 12/10/2012 9:09:17 AM PST by SeekAndFind
South Korean rapper Psy --- you may have heard of him --- spent time during the last decade attending anti-American protests in his country. He even rapped the following about the Americans:
Kill those Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives/Kill those Yankees who ordered them to torture/Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law, and fathers/Kill them slowly and painfully
Psy is meeting President Obama Sunday and will be in a Christmas TV special with him that airs on December 21. Those old lyrics about killing Americans "slowly and painfully" are suddenly a problem for him.
So here comes the “sorry I was caught” apology:
“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,” said Psy in a statement. “The song 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. 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 statement continues, “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 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.”
His “Gangnam Style” video has been watched more than 902 million times since it was uploaded to YouTube in July. It has spawned more imitations and copycats than Elvis. Now it turns out that it came from a bona fide America hater.
The two innocent Koreans were two schoolgirls who were killed in an accident involving two U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea. Their accident in no way justified rapping about killing Americans “slowly and painfully.” Nor did the bad actions of a few U.S. troops in a war zone that Psy cannot comprehend.
This fellow lived in this country and is from a country that America has protected for 60 years. More than 50,000 Americans died protecting his country, and countless Americans put their lives on the line to protect his country across the decades.
For what? So ingrates can turn around and fantasize about killing Americans? Why do we do this?
I think I’m done with the world. It’s not just this idiot, it’s how the entire world treats the United States like a fool and a villain. Maybe it’s time to pull all of our troops out of every nation that we currently protect and cut them all loose. No more military protection. No more disaster relief. No more foreign aid. Nothing. We take care of our own and no one else.
*****
South Korea can defend themselves just fine.
If that is true, Let’s slowly unwind our bases in South Korea and save money.
I think we should get out. We’re more of an economic crutch than a deterrent to war. If they need us we can project power very quickly.
What’s the big deal? Hating America is SOP for this administration. He fits in nicely.
Another dumb kid running his mouth. Highly doubtful the people who matter in South Korea hold those same views.
With historic enemies looming on each side and a crumbling Communist psycho-state to the north, SK needs us more than ever.
At least his apology sounds like a real apology, and perhaps he is sincere.
If Obama reads his apology and accepts it he will be pissed.He only let the guy here because he thought the guy hated America as much as he does.
And exactly how would he LIKE us to interpret them?
"Apology accepted, Captain Needa."
“Highly doubtful the people who matter in South Korea hold those same views.”
I concur...
Think of it this way - would you want the USA judged by what Cher or Joy Beyhar say?
I remember when, during the Rumsfeld days, the South Korean defense minister publicly condemned the US for something, I don’t remember what, and threatened to request the United States to leave South Korea’s territory.
Rumsfeld publicly replied that he could certainly have his department re-evaluate whether it was worthwhile to continue to keep open the military installations, implying that he might just close them.
I swear that you could hear the South Korean’s neck snap, like a rubber band, as he publicly declined the US’ offer to close the bases.
That is a more complete apology than you’ll get from any politician and we all say things in the heat of emotion that we later regret.
He did not just say “I’m sorry If I offended anyone” this part stuck out..
“I understand the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy in my country and around the world”
He not only said his words were wrong he gave an understandable reason (the death of innocent Koreans in Iraq) and made sure to point out that freedom in his nation is owed to Americans.
What more can he say?
I am far more offended by John Kerry and Obama himself than Psy. He is, after all, part of a political minority in Korea. The haters I’m worried about are currently ruling us.
He had me right up until “...Im deeply sorry for how these lyrics could be interpreted.” That’s where it seemed to veer off into non-apology land...
We ought to demand our products be allowed entry without tariffs in to South Korea else we should have an exorbatant import duty as have they.
Not too many fords there ya see
First - disband NATO. That organization has morphed into something quite different and destructive over the last 20 years when its mission ended.
Next - get US out of Korea. Korea is 40X more wealthy than the North, and they can defend themselves quite well. Have protected them for 60+ years. Declare mission over and a job well-done.
Barry might as well have his ‘Holiday’ show feature 2Live Crew on their to sing their holiday classic, ‘Cop Killer’. Pathetic, insulting, and embarassing, that’s our Barry.
As for this twerp Psy... Guessing he’s at minute #14 of his 15 minutes of fame. I see his future as going on tour of gaybars in 3rd world countries with the Dixie Chicks.
Why not apologize years ago when he settled down and not pressed on the issue by some forms of media and after his hit.
It would come off as more understanding and forgiving of him if his statement didn't appear almost prior to the White House show.
Yes, let S.K. defend themselves, then the North can invade them. Then they will finally appreciate what America did for them.
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