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Staff Reporter
Shin Hae-chul, 41, a singer known for his sarcastic criticism of government policies, has again put himself in the center of a dispute by praising North Korea's April 5 rocket launch.
Shin congratulated the North, saying, ``As a member of the same ethnic group, I congratulate the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on its successful launch of a rocket (I wouldn't call it an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile)) in line with its sovereignty and appropriate international laws.'' He posted the statement on his official Web site (www.shinhaechul.com) Wednesday.
``I also hope the Republic of Korea will have nuclear and long distance missiles, as nuclear weapons are the most effective and only way to resist foreign powers,'' he added.
Shin is a K-pop singer and producer more famous for his open criticism on social issues, especially conservative policies.
Shin's remarks heated up debate on the Internet. Some supported the comment as it was ``Shin-like behavior,'' while most did not understand Shins' idea of interpreting the North's launch as securing South Korea's autonomy.
Shin recently drew criticism for appearing in an advertisement for a private cram school in February, which contradicts his previous stance critical of Korean education, which he said boosts such schools.
meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
