The controversial lyrics of PSY called for the death of American troops serving in Iraq in the wake of the brutal killing of a South Korean hostage by Iraqi insurgents.
In his public apology, PSY said his lyrics in 2004 were part of an emotionally charged response to events and circumstances current at that time, and to the war in Iraq.
He said, “I understand the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy in my country and around the work.”
According to PSY, the controversial song “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 anti-war sentiment shared by others around the world at that time.”
The South Korean girls had been struck and killed by a U.S. military vehicle, as reported by CNN.
PSY admitted “While it’s important that we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so.”
He said, of the lyrics composed in Korean and subject to interpretations, “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.”
However, the lyrics of the song were not created by PSY, who was relatively unknown at the time. The song was penned by the South Korean rock band N.E.X.T., with PSY being one of the three rappers who performed on stage.