Controversial Comment on K-Pop Group Sparks Debate
Gyeongju Mayor Faces Backlash Over Remarks About K-Pop Veterans god
A Controversial Statement from Gyeongju Mayor
Background: The popular South Korean K-Pop group, god, recently found itself at the center of controversy due to a remark made by the Mayor of Gyeongju, Joo Nak-young. During the recording of KBS 2TV’s special episode for the 2025 Gyeongju APEC, the mayor’s comment sparked a heated debate.
Event Details: On September 9th, the outdoor recording was held at a helipad near the Administrative Welfare Center in Bodeok-dong, Gyeongju. The event featured appearances by K-Pop idols such as The Black Label‘s Psy, CUBE Entertainment‘s Hwasa, Ateez, and many others including renowned folk singer Song Sohee and young talent Jeong Dong-won.
The Comment: Ahead of the show, Joo Nak-young was invited on stage. Noticing god among the lineup, he remarked, “They are singers from my generation; haven’t they had their time?” This comment quickly stirred controversy.
Online Reaction and Public Outcry
The mayor’s comment drew significant backlash on social media and the Gyeongju City Hall’s website. Complaints poured in demanding an official explanation or apology from the mayor. One netizen remarked, “It is unacceptable for a district leader to publicly belittle invited performers. This is not merely a personal slip of the tongue.”
Public Sentiment: The issue was accentuated by the fact that many fans had braved the hot weather to attend the event. The public saw this comment as a blow to the city’s image, given that it was articulated by an individual of such standing.
Response from god’s Park Joon-hyung
In the wake of the incident, god member Park Joon-hyung took to Instagram to comfort fans. He posted: “Everyone did well in the heat today. You are all the best. To the fans who came from afar, travel safely and watch out for the heat. See you soon.”
Continued Support: Park added reassurance, saying, “Although the day was exhausting, your presence lifted our spirits. Words are just words. Don’t let a mistake bring you down. We are okay, and you shouldn’t let it affect you either. Bigger things are ahead of us.”
Park’s message served as a reminder of the enduring bond between god and its fanbase, emphasizing resilience and the shared journey forward.
Summary: The incident underscores the cultural reverence for K-Pop in South Korea and the strong public reaction to perceived slights against artists who have shaped the industry. It also highlights the importance of sensitive communication, especially by officials, in maintaining public sentiment.
For further reading on the cultural significance of K-Pop, visit this link.
