Singer Na Hoon-a performs at a concert in this file photo. The long-time trot legend ignited online debate after his critical comments about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his concert. Courtesy of Yearah and Yesori

Singer Na Hoon-a, known as the "trot emperor," sparked intense online discussions after his critical remarks about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the first concert of his national farewell tour.

Onstage, he said, "I must say this before I stop singing," and proceeded to denounce North Korea, adding, "I do not consider the North a country. It's just a strange group, not a nation."

Na, 77, made the remarks at his "2024 Thank You - Last Concert" tour on April 27 at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon. At the concert, he reaffirmed that this national tour would mark his complete retirement from the entertainment industry.

He harshly criticized Kim, saying, "That pig Kim Jong-un doesn't care if his people starve or die as long as he gets fatter. It's not a country. Everything is decided by one person, so even if agreements are made, they end if Kim doesn't like them."

He emphasized the need for South Korea's strength, asserting, "We need to become strong enough that even if [North Korea] wants to hit us, they can't. There is peace only with power," which garnered applause from the audience.

Besides his remarks on North Korea, Na also made various political statements during his performance, displaying images of all past South Korean presidents and reflecting, "During my singing career, the presidency has changed 11 times. Despite many incidents, I am still singing.'"

Trot singer Na Hoon-a / Courtesy of Yearah and Yesori

Na, better than lawmaker or typical old man from Busan?

He also expressed his frustration with politicians, saying, "Their actions make me so angry that I don't even watch the news anymore."

Reactions to Na's statements were mixed. His fans praised him, saying, "He's better than a lawmaker," "I respect his candidness," and "Thank you for courageously speaking on behalf of the majority of the people."

However, some netizens criticized his approach, commenting, "A singer should just sing, why bring up these topics at a concert?" and "Typical of an old man from Busan," referring negatively to his origins. The southeastern city of Busan is a stronghold for conservative politicians.

Na has a history of criticizing the North Korean leader. In 2018, he declined to participate in the Pyongyang Art Troupe Performance organized by the Moon Jae-in administration.

Later, during a concert, he explained his position by condemning Kim, saying, "[Kim Jong-un], who killed his uncle and half-brother, and who would execute people just for dozing off during meetings, is a fat man. How could I sing 'In this world / only one / without a second,'" which are lyrics from Na Hoon-a's song "Love," "in front of such a person?"

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.