Park Joon-hyung of g.o.d. responds after Gyeongju mayor calls group ‘washed up’
Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young issues an apology after calling K-pop group g.o.d. “past their prime,” while member Park Joon-hyung, front in left photo, responds on social media. / Captured from their social media accounts
Singer Park Joon-hyung of legendary K-pop group g.o.d. has spoken out after Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young drew backlash for describing the group as “washed up.”
The comment came during a pre-recording of KBS2’s "Immortal Songs: Gyeongju APEC Special" on Monday in Gyeongju’s Bodeok-dong. The lineup featured artists including g.o.d., Hwasa, ATEEZ, Zo Zazz, Kiki and PSY.
According to attendees, Joo took the microphone during the taping and said, upon seeing g.o.d. on the lineup, “They’re singers from our generation — aren’t they kind of washed up now?”
The comment quickly sparked outrage, particularly among g.o.d. fans, who demanded an apology through the city government’s website and social media.
The mayor issued an apology via his social media. “I deeply regret if my words caused discomfort. I had no intention of belittling any artist. As someone from the same generation, I said it with affection and delight at seeing god, a group we loved so much, still actively performing.”
He continued, “g.o.d. is one of Korea’s most beloved cultural icons. I remember their music vividly and watched their performance with great joy. I will be more thoughtful and sincere in my communication with citizens moving forward.”
Park Joon-hyung later addressed the issue on his own social media, choosing to comfort fans rather than respond directly to the mayor. “Thank you all for your hard work on such a hot day,” he wrote. “You’re always the best. To the fans who traveled all the way here — be careful heading back and stay cool. We’ll see you again soon.”
He added, “Thanks to you, I was able to stay strong. And no matter what anyone says, we’re okay. I just hope you don’t get hurt by someone’s careless words. We still have bigger things ahead.”
Five-member K-pop group g.o.d. debuted in 1999 and has remained active for over two decades.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.