"Mocked the Late President for Fame"... Rapper Who Derided Roh Moo-hyun Finally Issues Apology Letter

Controversy Over Concert Mocking Roh Moo-hyun's Death Anniversary
Rich Iggy Cancels Performance
"Deep Reflection and Apology"

Rapper Rich Iggy (real name Minseo Lee), who sparked controversy for derogatory remarks about the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, has ultimately canceled his concert and expressed remorse.

"I will become a more mature person"... Rich Iggy finally apologizes

Rapper Rich Eegi is seen visiting the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation to deliver an apology letter. Photo by Soojin Jo, Director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, Facebook

On May 19, Rich Iggy posted a handwritten letter on his Instagram, stating, "Today, I visited the Roh Moo-hyun Citizen Center and delivered my apology letter."

He said, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was harmed by my actions and I will deeply reflect on myself," adding, "This incident was entirely my own unilateral decision and unrelated to any of the participating artists." He continued, "From now on, I will strive to become a more mature person."

The released handwritten letter included the message, "I offer my sincerest apology regarding this incident." He wrote, "From my debut until recently, through my music and lyrics, I have repeatedly mocked and disparaged the late president, engaging in behavior that was distressing to the public and bereaved family members, all for the sake of fame," adding, "I deeply regret my conduct and carelessness, especially considering the negative influence I have had on many young people and the general public."

He went on to say, "I believe saying I was just immature or only did it for fun would be nothing but an excuse. My actions were a result of careless judgment and a lack of social responsibility," adding, "Through this incident, I feel truly sorry and am reflecting deeply on myself."

Rich Iggy further promised, "From now on, I pledge never to ridicule, disparage, or satirize the late president, nor mention his name in a wrongful manner." He added, "I will reflect on all of my past words and actions. Once again, I express my deepest apologies." He also wrote, "Although I know not all my sincerity may come across, both for the sake of seeking forgiveness and for my own self-respect, I will demonstrate my remorse through my future behavior."

Roh Moo-hyun Foundation: "Rich Iggy's concert perpetuates a culture of hate"

Rapper Reach E.G.'s Instagram

Born in 2006, Rich Iggy has faced criticism since his 2024 debut for using lyrics that mocked former President Roh, such as "2025 Rich Iggy will jump like Roh Moo-hyun" and "Just fall from the Owl Rock."

This controversy intensified due to the concert being planned in a way that evoked the anniversary of the late president's passing. Rich Iggy was scheduled to hold his first concert at Yeonnam Space in Seoul on May 23, 2026, which marks the 17th anniversary of Roh's death. Several rappers, including Rich Iggy and Paloalto, were set to perform. However, criticism mounted as both the concert time and ticket price were set to "5:23 PM" and "52,300 won," respectively—numbers that deliberately referenced the date of Roh's passing.

As the controversy spread, the People’s Life Together Roh Moo-hyun Foundation issued a statement: "Rich Iggy has repeatedly used President Roh Moo-hyun's real name in numerous tracks and included lyrics that directly evoke the circumstances of his death," adding, "The foundation views this concert as a continuation of such a culture of hate."

Accordingly, on May 18, the foundation sent an official letter to the event organizer, demanding the immediate cancellation of the concert, a written explanation, and a formal apology. Yeonnam Space, the venue, was notified of the situation by the foundation and subsequently informed the organizer that the concert could not proceed. As a result, the concert was canceled.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.