Is the controversy over Psy’s anti-American lyrics just the result of a bad translation?
Psy performs onstage at Kyonggi University in Suwon, South Korea, on September 25, 2012.
Is the controversy over Psy’s anti-American lyrics just the result of a bad translation?
Several independent translations contradict the initial version of the 'Gangnam Style' rapper's lyrics from a 2004 song, according to the Washington Post.
The Post reported the originally reported translation "comes from an anonymous entry on CNN’s iReport site" which readers say "might not accurately portray the original Korean."
The South Korean rapper, who was born Park Jae-sang, apologized Friday for lines he sang at a 2004 performance with the band N.EX.T. that called for violence against Americans. The lyrics were translated as: "Kill those f—ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives…. Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers."
More from GlobalPost: Obama to see controversial 'Gangnam Style' singer perform
Despite the controversy, President Barack Obama and his family attended the "Christmas in Washington" concert where Psy performed and the President even shook hands with the rapper.
As the Atlantic noted, this added to the outrage of those on Twitter and at Fox Nation already angry at the rapper.
The popular "Gangnam Style" video has received 900 million hits, according to Reuters.
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