Joo Nak Young sparks outrage calling g.o.d “washed up”
Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak Young caught heat after dubbing first-gen legend boy group g.o.d as “past their prime” on KBS-2TV’s Immortal Songs— Gyeongju APEC Special. His comments ignited fury among fans and audience, flooding the Gyeongju City site with demands for apology.
On June 9, Park Joonhyung of g.o.d addressed the backlash. He told fans not to be hurt by the remark:
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.
He added:
Don’t stress over trivial things. There are bigger things ahead.
The mayor’s exact comment was:
They’re singers from our generation, but aren’t they a bit past their prime now?
Joo Nak Young issued a public apology on June 10, insisting no disrespect was intended.
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.
He promised to choose his words more carefully and apologized to g.o.d members and fans.
The controversy is still gaining traction as fans continue reacting online.
