'Insult to the Late Roh Moo-hyun' Sparks Controversy Over Richie Lee's Concert.. Palo Alto Issues Apology: "No Intent to Defend" [Full Text]

*This content was translated by AI.

Rapper Palo Alto (real name Jeon Sang-hyun), who had planned to attend a concert by rapper Richie Lee (real name Lee Min-seo) amid controversy over an insult to the late Roh Moo-hyun Jeon (President), has posted an apology statement.

On the 19th, Palo Alto stated on his Instagram, "I do not agree with expressions that could mock or be perceived as hateful toward the deceased, nor with lyrics and attitudes that could hurt many people. I have no intention of defending or supporting them."

He continued, "Until now, I have participated in his work and been invited to broadcasts in the spirit of musical exchange, but I did not fully consider the problematic nature of the expressions and how they could hurt someone. My judgment was insufficient."

He added, "I sincerely apologize to those who felt discomfort and disappointment due to my insufficient awareness and ignorance. I am taking it seriously that I have caused greater disappointment to those who have believed in and supported me for a long time. Going forward, as a creator, I will value freedom of expression. I will think more carefully so that the music and activities I create leave a positive impact rather than causing hurt to anyone."

Previously, rapper Richie Lee had planned to hold a solo concert on the 23rd, the anniversary of the late Roh Moo-hyun's passing. However, the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation opposed the event, and the concert was ultimately canceled.

Richie Lee has consistently included lyrics insulting the late Roh Moo-hyun in his music. He has faced controversy over lyrics such as 'Jump like Roh Moo-hyun' and 'Falling from the Owl Rock,' which mock Roh Moo-hyun Jeon (President) or evoke child sexual crimes.

In particular, this concert was scheduled to take place on May 23 at 5:23 PM, and the ticket price was set at 52,300 won, evoking the date of Roh Moo-hyun Jeon (President)'s passing. Following the Foundation's indication of legal action, both the venue and the event planning company released statements, canceled the concert, and apologized to Roh Moo-hyun Jeon (President)'s bereaved family and Foundation officials.

Below is the full statement from Palo Alto.

Hello, this is Palo Alto.

I would like to share my position regarding the recent Richie Lee controversy.

As a person first and foremost, I do not agree with expressions that could mock or be perceived as hateful toward the deceased, nor with lyrics and attitudes that could hurt many people. I also have no intention of defending or supporting them.

Until now, I have participated in his work and been invited to broadcasts in the spirit of musical exchange, but I did not fully consider the problematic nature of the expressions and how they could hurt someone. My judgment was insufficient.

I sincerely apologize to those who felt discomfort and disappointment due to my insufficient awareness and ignorance. I am taking it seriously that I have caused greater disappointment to those who have believed in and supported me for a long time.

Going forward, as a creator, I will value freedom of expression. At the same time, I will think more carefully so that the music and activities I create leave a positive impact rather than causing hurt to anyone.

Once again, I apologize to everyone who was hurt and felt discomfort due to this incident.

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*This content was translated by AI.