Psy speaks about alleged links with Choi Soon-sil
/ Courtesy of YG Entertainment
By Hong Dam-young
K-pop star Psy spoke out on Friday about rumors of him being linked with Choi Soon-sil, the central figure of the corruption scandal engulfing President Park Geun-hye.
He denied allegations that Choi helped him get invitations to high-profile events involving President Park at home and abroad and that he also received other favors.
“I wanted to speak out about the rumors but I didn’t because I thought they were so worthless and preposterous,” Psy said during his annual year-end concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Friday.
“I thought people would just ignore the groundless rumors. But all I received were comments criticizing me and I felt people believed them.”
Psy has been keeping a low profile since early November when rumors emerged that he was a member of an entertainers’ football team called FC Hoeori that was allegedly under the control of Choi’s elder sister, Choi Soon-deuk, and her daughter, Jang Si-ho.
The two were suspected of wielding influence in the entertainment industry through the team’s members.
Psy’s agency, YG Entertainment, has vehemently denied the rumors, including the ones about Choi and the football team.
“We are going through such a troubled and chaotic time,” Psy said, referring to the corruption scandal involving Choi and President Park. “It’s time to see the old year out and the new year in. I wish all of you a happy New Year.”
Psy said his new album would be released early next year. Its release has been delayed because of the rumors.