Flood of 'Apology Requests' on Gyeongju City Website
Amid Growing Controversy, Mayor Joo Nakyoung Issues Apology
Park Junhyung Reassures Fans: "We're Fine"
Joo Nakyoung, the mayor of Gyeongju City, who caused controversy by making remarks that seemed to disparage the group god, has finally issued an apology.
Earlier, on the 9th, a special recording of KBS2's "Immortal Songs" 2025 Gyeongju APEC edition took place at the helipad next to the administrative welfare center located in Bodeok-dong, Gyeongju. During the event, before the main recording began, the pre-show MC took the stage to warm up the crowd, saying, "The singers you love are all backstage listening to your voices," and added, "Shall we hear a few words from the mayor of Gyeongju?" Taking the microphone, Mayor Joo, upon seeing god listed among the performers, remarked, "god was a group from our generation, but haven't they passed their prime?" This comment drew criticism from fans.
Joo Nakyoung, the mayor of Gyeongju City, who caused controversy by making remarks that seemed to disparage the group god, has finally apologized. Earlier, on the 9th, a recording of KBS2's "Immortal Songs" 2025 Gyeongju APEC special took place at the helipad next to the administrative welfare center located in Bodeok-dong, Gyeongju. god Instagram
Following Mayor Joo's remarks, numerous posts demanding his apology appeared on various online communities and social networking services (SNS). Netizens commented, "That was rude," "Is it appropriate to say a group has passed their prime in front of them at an official event, especially when they've been invited to a local festival held far from home?" and "god concerts are always sold out, so it's hard to get tickets," among other opinions.
Moreover, some netizens angered by the remarks posted messages on the Gyeongju City homepage urging the mayor to apologize. In response, Mayor Joo replied in the comments, "If anyone felt uncomfortable because of my remarks at the KBS2 'Immortal Songs - Gyeongju APEC Special' recording site today (June 9), I deeply regret it." He continued, "There was absolutely no intention to belittle any particular artist. Our generation also loved and cherished g.o.d, and I mentioned them with affection and joy, as they are still actively performing. However, my expression was lacking, and if it hurt g.o.d fans, I take this seriously and sincerely apologize."
Meanwhile, Park Junhyung, a member of god, also posted a message on Instagram later that night that seemed to allude to the controversy. Using hashtags, he wrote, "It was really hot today, and everyone worked hard. No matter what anyone says, we're fine. We're not just here for a day or two. I hope none of you are hurt by someone's mistake or words. We're fine. Please don't be hurt either. I love you. Don't let trivial things stress you out. We still have bigger things ahead of us."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
