BTS Lyrics Heard by Moon, Kim Geun-sik Says "Closed Ears to Youth Criticism..."

President Moon Jae-in is delivering a commemorative speech at the 1st Youth Day ceremony held on the morning of the 19th at the Green Garden of the Blue House. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Kim Geun-sik, the head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district in Seoul, criticized President Moon Jae-in on the 20th for saying he enjoys listening to the songs of the group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), saying, "You turn a deaf ear to the young people's criticism of Cho Kuk's 'dad chance' and Choo Mi-ae's 'mom chance'."

On the same day, Kim wrote on his Facebook, "While mentioning fairness on Youth Day dozens of times, it is somewhat bitter that you turn a deaf ear to the young people's critical voices but can hear the English lyrics of 'Dynamite,'" he said.

Kim added, "I still can't really hear idol music well. The songs are fast and use youth slang, so even Korean lyrics are hard for me to catch," and sarcastically said, "Since you have empathy with young people and a high level of English listening ability, you must be able to hear BTS's 'Dynamite.'"

He continued, "It's really unbelievably surprising," and added, "Surely, spokesperson Kang Min-seok didn't miscommunicate the president's words, right?"

Earlier, Kang Min-seok, the Blue House spokesperson, said at a briefing at the Blue House Press Hall on the 20th, "We received many questions asking, 'Does President Moon actually like BTS's music?' so we asked the president," and "President Moon answered, 'Yes, I like both the songs and the dances.'"

According to spokesperson Kang, President Moon said, "Sometimes I can't keep up with idol group music, but with BTS, I can hear the lyrics. I think I can keep up," and "That's why BTS seems to have a strong fan base among the elderly, middle-aged, and youth alike."

Spokesperson Kang added that this conversation "confirms that (President Moon himself) is indeed a real fan of BTS's music."