Rapper Paloalto (real name Jeon Sang-hyun) has issued an apology after it was revealed he was scheduled to perform at a concert by rapper Rich Igu (real name Lee Min-seo), who is embroiled in controversy for allegedly insulting the late former President Roh Moo-hyun.
On the 19th, Paloalto stated on his Instagram, “I do not agree with expressions that mock the deceased or can be perceived as hateful, nor with lyrics and attitudes that can hurt many people. I have no intention of defending or supporting them.”
He continued, expressing regret, “Until now, I have participated in his work and invited him to broadcasts in the spirit of musical collaboration, but in that process, I failed to adequately consider the problematic nature of his expressions and how they could hurt someone. My judgment was lacking.”
Paloalto added, “I sincerely apologize to those who felt uncomfortable and disappointed due to my insufficient awareness and ignorance. I especially take to heart that I have caused greater disappointment to those who have trusted and supported me for a long time.” He concluded, “As a creator, I will continue to value freedom of expression. However, I will more carefully consider how the music and activities I create can leave a positive impact rather than cause harm to anyone.”
Previously, rapper Rich Igu had planned to hold a solo concert on the 23rd, the anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun’s passing. However, the concert was ultimately canceled after strong opposition from the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation.
Rich Igu has consistently included lyrics insulting former President Roh in his music. He has been controversial for lyrics such as ‘Jump like Roh Moo-hyun’ and ‘Fall from Owl Rock,’ which mock the former president, and other lyrics that evoke child sexual offenses.
Notably, this specific concert was scheduled for May 23rd at 5:23 PM, with ticket prices set at 52,300 won, alluding to the former president’s death anniversary. After the Foundation indicated potential legal action, both the venue and the concert promoter issued statements, apologizing to the late President Roh’s family and the Foundation, and announcing the concert’s cancellation.
Below is the full statement from Paloalto:
Hello, this is Paloalto.
I would like to state my position regarding the recent Rich Igu controversy.
As a person before being a musician, I do not agree with expressions that mock the deceased or can be perceived as hateful, nor with lyrics and attitudes that can hurt many people. Furthermore, I have no intention of defending or supporting them.
Until now, I have participated in his work and invited him to broadcasts in the spirit of musical collaboration, but in that process, I failed to adequately consider the problematic nature of his expressions and how they could hurt someone. My judgment was lacking.
I sincerely apologize to those who felt uncomfortable and disappointed due to my insufficient awareness and ignorance. I especially take to heart that I have caused greater disappointment to those who have trusted and supported me for a long time.
As a creator, I will continue to value freedom of expression. However, I will simultaneously consider more carefully how the music and activities I create can leave a positive impact rather than cause harm to anyone.
Once again, I apologize to everyone who was hurt and felt uncomfortable by this incident.
