B.I includes former President Syngman Rhee's voice in new song, featuring "anti-communism" — sparking debate between "ignorant conviction" and "patriotic conservative hip-hop's top figure" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Rapper B.I (33, real name Lee Byeong-yoon) has been engulfed in controversy over his political leanings.

Earlier, on the 8th, B.I released his new song "Southside Freestyle" (SOUTHSIDE FREESTYLE) on various music streaming platforms. The track was released in advance as part of his third full album, "Pop Is Cryin'," his first full-length album in approximately seven years.

Along with the release of "Southside Freestyle," B.I also unveiled the music video on his official YouTube channel.

However, the video drew attention for including a recording of the late Syngman Rhee Jeon (President) speaking during his lifetime. The song begins with Rhee Jeon (President)'s line: "It is news of life, and news of freedom."

The lyrics also reveal specific political ideologies, such as "If I had chosen the left, I would have knelt / Before the sickle and hammer," "Incitement by a woman / Halal love extinction / Success in my voice / Extinction in the voice of a beauty (mispronounced)."

This has sparked intense debate among netizens. Reactions include: "Rhee shoutout is crazy," "He's accurately targeting communism," "Releasing it on May 8, Parents' Day, seems to carry the same meaning for both national founder Syngman Rhee and God the Father," "This is hip-hop. It's about the honesty and freedom to express grievances boldly," "Patriotic conservative B.I, the top of national hip-hop," "Hip-hop is about speaking out even on politics," "He really doesn't care about the atmosphere," "He's dragging himself into the abyss," "It's good to show your political stance, but it might not be the best idea. He even closed his label; honestly, I'm worried," "It's good to state your convictions, but this is an ignorant conviction," "Why would he want to be like that? Sigh," "Acting like a Christian, he's going the patriotic conservative route," "It feels more like political incitement than a song." Reactions are sharply divided.

Meanwhile, B.I recently made headlines by closing his hip-hop label, Dejavu Group, after nine years, stating, "I failed."

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*This content was translated by AI.