Rapper Jung Sang-su, 41, shouted the slogan "Yoon Again" supporting former President Yoon Suk-yeol at the festival of Seoul Chungam High School, Yoon's alma mater, sparking controversy. The student council that hosted the festival drew a line, saying, "The remark is not related to the position of Chungam High School or the Chungam Festival." Jung ultimately apologized, saying, "It was a line I should not have said."
On Nov. 1, a video spread on online communities and social media (SNS) showing Jung Sang-su shouting "Yoon Again" on the stage of the Chungam High School festival held on Oct. 31.
In the video, Jung brought a student watching the performance up on stage and asked, "What is Chungam High School proud of?" The student answered, "Yoon Suk-yeol."
Jung then said, "I was holding back from saying that too. Then I'll say it as well," and shouted "Yoon Again" twice. "Yoon Again" is a slogan chanted by supporters of the former president to urge his return to the presidency. Recently, supporters of the former president have also chanted this slogan at rallies.
As the controversy grew, the Chungam High School student council issued a statement, saying, "The remark is not related to the position of Chungam High School or the Chungam Festival," and "There is absolutely no fact that the school or the student council requested this or consulted in advance."
It added, "This incident occurred while Mr. Jung Sang-su first invited a student from another school onto the stage," and that it was "Mr. Jung Sang-su's personal remark."
Jung posted an apology video on his social media that day. He said, "In the middle of hosting the Chungam Festival stage at Chungam High School, I made a political remark I should not have made," and "I apologize for causing harm up to now to all the teachers, staff, and students present there. I sincerely bow my head and apologize."
He said, "I do not usually take a left or right political position, and I do not know politics well," adding, "But during the interview with the student who came on stage, that name came up, and I got excited and said a line I should not have."
Jung said, "I apologize once again, and I was wrong a hundred, a thousand times. Direct all criticism at me, and I will take all responsibility," adding, "I am sorry for causing harm to the school by making an inappropriate remark."
Jung debuted in 2009 through the program "Show Me the Money," which aired on the cable channel Mnet. He has since been embroiled in controversy for committing crimes such as assault and drunk driving. He was fined on charges including property damage and obstruction of official duties.