Joo Nak Young, the mayor of Gyeongju, recently stirred up a controversy after referring to an iconic boy group as “washed up,” even prompting a response from one of the members.
The group in question is G.O.D., an iconic first-gen boy group that was one of the best-selling artists in Korea in the pre-digital era.
On June 9, KST, the group’s member Park Joonhyung made a lengthy post on his social media addressing the controversial remark made by the Gyeongju mayor. He urged fans not to feel hurt by the comment, reassuring that they had grown thick skin toward such words.
No matter what anyone says, we’re okay. This isn’t our first day doing this. I just don’t want you guys to be hurt by someone’s careless words.
— Park Joonhyung
He continued, “Don’t stress over trivial things. There are bigger things ahead,” delivering a graceful response to the entire matter.
Joo Nak Young made the controversial comment while participating in the recording of KBS-2TV‘s Immortal Songs— Gyeongju APEC Special. While talking about g.o.d, he reportedly said, “They’re singers from our generation, but aren’t they a bit past their prime now?”
This comment sparked a huge outrage among the group’s fans and audience members present at the venue. The official Gyeongju City site was reportedly flooded by messages demanding an official apology.
On June 10, KST, Mayor Joo issued a formal apology, clarifying that his intention was not to ridicule the boy group.
I had no intention of belittling any specific artist…As someone from the same generation, I made the comment with fondness and appreciation for g.o.d, who I’ve long loved and am glad to see still active.
— Joo Nak Young
He concluded the apology, promising to be more cautious with his words in the future and apologizing wholeheartedly to g.o.d members and their fans.
