Mayor Joo Nak-young of Gyeongju apologized for referring to g.o.d as "an artist who has faded away."
Mayor Joo Nak-young posted an apology on social media on the 9th. He released the apology for his remarks about g.o.d during the recording of the KBS 2TV entertainment program "Immortal Songs" that day, where he stated, "g.o.d is an artist from our generation, but hasn't it faded away?"
In his apology, he said, "I deeply regret if there are those who felt uncomfortable due to my comments during the recording of 'Immortal Songs - Gyeongju APEC Special.'" He continued, "There was no intention at all to belittle a specific artist with my remarks," and emphasized, "We also loved and enjoyed g.o.d very much during our generation, and I mentioned it with fondness and admiration that they are still actively performing today."
However, Mayor Joo Nak-young said, "But the expression was inadequate, and if it caused any hurt to the fans of g.o.d, I take this seriously and sincerely convey my regrets." He added, "g.o.d is an artist representing Korean popular culture and has long been beloved by many people. My family also enjoys their music, and my daughter, who is approaching middle age, still considers them her favorite group. I also vividly remember their music and watched the stage that day with joy."
He added, "My respect for culture and art will always remain unchanged. I will communicate with citizens in a more careful and sincere manner in the future. Once again, I deeply regret causing concern to those present, including the grants who were there today, the audience, and the fans."
That evening in Gyeongju, the recording of "Immortal Songs" featured the "2025 Gyeongju APEC" special. Attendees included g.o.d, Hwasa, Lee Seung-yoon, Ateez, Jung Dong-won, Jo Jae-zu, Kiki, and Psy, creating a buzz. However, during the pre-recording, Mayor Joo Nak-young, who took the stage with a microphone, sparked criticism by saying about g.o.d, "g.o.d is an artist from our generation, but hasn't it faded away?"
The following is the full text of Mayor Joo Nak-young's apology.
Hello. This is Joo Nak-young, the Mayor of Gyeongju.
Today (June 9), I express my deep regrets if there are those who felt uncomfortable due to my comments made during the KBS2 recording of 'Immortal Songs - Gyeongju APEC Special.'
I had no intention at all to belittle a specific artist with my remarks. The mention was intended to express my delight and affection that g.o.d, whom our generation loved very much, is still actively performing.
However, the expression was inadequate, and if it caused any hurt to the fans of g.o.d, I take this seriously and convey my sincere regrets.
g.o.d is an artist representing Korean popular culture and has long been beloved by many people.
My family enjoys their music, and my daughter, who is approaching middle age, still considers them her favorite group.
I also vividly remember their music and watched the stage that day with joy.
My respect for culture and art will always remain unchanged. I will communicate with citizens in a more careful and sincere manner in the future. Once again, I deeply regret causing concern to those present, including the grants who were with us today, the audience, and the fans.
From Joo Nak-young, Mayor of Gyeongju.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]