Rapper's Concert Canceled Over Insults to Late President Roh Moo-hyun

A planned concert by rapper Rich Iggy, intended to take place on the 17th anniversary of the passing of former President Roh Moo-hyun, has been canceled following widespread condemnation and the threat of legal action. The event, scheduled for May 23rd, drew sharp criticism for its perceived deliberate and offensive timing and pricing, which many interpreted as a direct insult to the late president's memory.

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The hateful performance scheduled for the anniversary of President Roh Moo-hyun's death has been canceled due to the foundation's response.

The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation issued a strong statement condemning the concert, highlighting that the date and ticket price (52,300 won) were intentionally chosen to evoke the anniversary of Roh's death. The foundation viewed this as a clear act of "hateful planning" and demanded the immediate cancellation of the event, along with a formal apology. The concert organizers and venue subsequently complied, issuing apologies to the bereaved family and the foundation.

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We confirmed that the performance was a clear act of insulting planning, intentionally using the ticket price (52,300 won) reminiscent of the anniversary of his death.

This incident is not an isolated case concerning Rich Iggy. The foundation pointed out that the rapper's previous works have repeatedly used Roh Moo-hyun's name and alluded to the circumstances of his death. Furthermore, the foundation expressed grave concern over the pervasive presence of misogynistic lyrics, references to child sexual abuse, and regional discrimination in Rich Iggy's music, which are currently available on major music platforms.

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The rapper Rich Iggy has repeatedly used the name of President Roh Moo-hyun in numerous songs and used expressions that directly allude to the circumstances of his death.

The foundation has vowed to take a firm stance against any attempts to undermine societal values and desecrate historical pain under the guise of freedom of expression. This cancellation and the subsequent statements underscore a societal intolerance for hate speech and disrespect towards revered national figures, particularly on significant commemorative dates. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding artistic freedom versus hate speech in South Korea.

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We will continue to take strong action against all attempts to undermine the values of the community and insult the pain of history by hiding behind freedom of expression.