Names and faces

— South Korean rapper and Internet sensation PSY is apologizing to Americans for participating in anti-U.S. protests several years ago. Park Ja e - sa n g , who performs as PSY, issued a statement Friday after reportssurfaced that he had participated in concerts protesting the U.S. military presence in South Korea during the early stages of the Iraq war. At a 2004 concert, the “Gangnam Style” rapper performed a song with lyrics about killing “Yankees” who have been torturing Iraqi captives and their families “slowly and painfully.” During a 2002 concert, he smashed a model of a U.S. tank on stage. “While I’m grateful for the freedom to express one’s self, I’ve learned there are limits to what language is appropriate and I’m deeply sorry for how these lyrics could be interpreted,” he wrote in the statement. “I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by those words.” The 34-yearold rapper says the protests were part of a “deeply emotional” reaction to thewar and the death of two Korean schoolgirls, who were killed when a U.S. military vehicle hit them as they walked alongside the road. He noted antiwar sentiment was high around the world at the time. PSY attended college in the U.S. and says he understands the sacrifices U.S. military members have made to protect South Korea and other nations. “And I hope they and all Americans can accept my apology,” he wrote. “While it’s important that we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so. In my music, I try to give people a release, a reason to smile..”

Singer Toni Braxton has been hospitalized in Los Angeles. The R&B performer said in a Tweet on Friday that she’s been hospitalized because of “minor health issues” related to Lupus. A spokesman confirmed the hospitalization but had no other details. “But no worries!,” Braxton wrote to fans. “I will be out any day now.” The 45-year-old singer of “Un-break My Heart” revealed two years ago she has Lupus, a potentially deadly autoimmune disease that killed Braxton’s uncle. She also suffers from a narrowing of the blood vessels in her heart. Braxton said in a recent 20/20 interview that doctors told her the Lupus diagnosis meant her performing career would likely be diminished.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 12/09/2012

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