"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 stated. He also explained that he created the lyrics hot on heels of the murder of two Korean schoolgirls at the time.
The Gangnam District-born star went on, "The song I was featured on in question from eight years ago - 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 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 by those words," he added.
He continued making amends, "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 that 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 thru music, our universal language we can all come together as a culture of humanity and I hope that you will accept my apology."
The controversy sparked as the media revealed that in 2004, long before he achieved his massive stardom, PSY threw a concert where he rapped about "slowly and painfully" killing American troops and their families. "Kill those f***ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives," he rapped, "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."
According to Mediaite, PSY also performed at a gig in 2002 against the presence of 37,000 American soldiers in Korea. At the time, he painted his face gold and with the crowd egging him on, he lifted a miniature American tank and smashed it on the ground to massive applause.
Despite the controversy, PSY is still scheduled to perform for President Barack Obama later this month. A White House representative claimed that Obama and his family would still attend the December 21 Christmas gig in Washington D.C. where the "Gangnam Style" star would take the stage.
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