[instiz] JAY PARK, MENTIONS HIS WITHDRAWAL FROM 2PM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 16 YEARS “I FEEL SORRY FOR THE HARM I CAUSED TO SO MANY PEOPLE”

Singer Jay Park has spoken out directly about his past “anti-Korea controversy” for the first time in about 17 years.

On the 5th, a video titled “The Song That Changed Jay Park’s Life” was released on the YouTube channel Eyesmag. In the video, Jay Park chose U Got It Bad by Usher as the song of his life, saying it inspired him to dream of becoming a singer.

In particular, Jay Park drew attention by mentioning the “anti-Korea controversy” that arose in 2009. After the controversy at the time, he halted group activities and returned to the United States. Reflecting on that period, he said, “I didn’t feel anxious. I only felt sorry and apologetic,” adding, “In any case, I believed I had offended many people and caused harm.”

He continued, “Rather than feeling anxious, I tend to accept situations as they come. I’m the type who lives by going with the flow. I accept the circumstances given to me and try to do my best within them,” adding that he didn’t feel particularly scared or worried.

When the interviewer asked, “I heard you received a MacBook from a fan in Seattle and uploaded cover videos with it,” Jay Park replied, “That’s right. That was the opportunity that allowed me to start my activities again.”

He explained, “At the time, YouTube was just starting to rise, and there was a trend among Asian Americans of uploading cover videos. So I wanted to show my musical taste. Using the MacBook a fan gave me, I recorded myself singing Nothin’ on You in a bathroom and uploaded it. That video reached 3 million views in just one day, it completely blew up.”

He added, “I uploaded about seven cover videos, and from then on I started receiving offers from various places. In short, those videos became the opportunity for me to start working again.”

When asked whether he ever thought about quitting music during that situation, he said, “I’m not the type who’s very afraid of being criticized. I tend to try different things freely.” However, he added, “Of course, I wouldn’t do something rude or something that harms others.”

He continued, “I don’t necessarily follow people’s preconceived notions or standards, like the idea that ‘a singer should be this way.’ Since I was young, other people’s opinions weren’t such an important factor in my life.”

Lastly, he emphasized, “These days people often focus on their outward appearance and neglect their inner selves. I think the inner self is more important. Even if everyone likes me, it means nothing if my inner self isn’t in order.”

He added, “That way you won’t be shaken later, and you won’t develop emotional or mental health problems. If you live only for others, you can end up making yourself sick.”

Meanwhile, in September 2009, a post Jay Park made on his personal social media was mistranslated as “anti-Korea,” sparking major controversy. At the time, he was the leader of 2PM, and he eventually announced his departure from the group and returned to the United States.

Later, it was revealed that the post was not actually insulting Korea but rather expressing the difficulties he experienced adapting to life in Korea in an unfamiliar environment. However, in February 2010, JYP Entertainment officially announced his permanent departure from the group, citing issues related to his private life.

1. I remembered the 7-1=0… 

2. I’m not a fan, but honestly, Jay Park’s hate was way too unwarranted 

3. He was in 2PM…? In JYP…?

4. “However, in February 2010, JYP Entertainment officially announced his permanent departure from the group, citing issues related to his private life.” This part is so dumbfounding ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

5. Why do I not remember anything ㅋㅋㅋ I just think he used to be in 2PM

6. I still don’t understand why they made such a huge fuss over Jay Park’s departure

7. Honestly the hate was forced. It was such an overreaction that they had no choice but kick him out 

8. What happened??

9. It was such a mess… 

10. I feel like including Jay Park, nobody knows the real reason he got kicked out ㅋ쿠ㅜㅜㅜ I seriously remember half of the HOTTEST crying over this