Mayor Joo Nak-young of Gyeongju orders strategic responses at the meeting of local Deputy Ministers held in the video conference room of the city hall on Sep. 9, so that the launch of the new government can be an opportunity for Gyeongju to leap forward rather than face a crisis. /Courtesy of News1

Joo Nak-young, the mayor of Gyeongju, faced controversy after stating 'has gone out of style' regarding the group god, who visited Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, for a television entertainment program shoot, and he apologized within a day.

During a recording of the Korean Broadcasting System's 'Immortal Songs' special for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, held at the helicopter pad next to the administrative welfare center in Bodeok-dong, Gyeongju, on the 9th, Mayor Joo remarked to god, 'Hasn't it gone out of style?'

As Joo's comments were relayed through audience members and fans present at the event, netizens expressed outrage, stating it was 'rude to invite artists and say that,' and called for an official apology.

Mayor Joo Nak-young's apology. /Courtesy of Instagram

Amid increasing criticism, Mayor Joo wrote on his personal social network service account, 'I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort with my remarks.'

Mayor Joo stated, 'I had no intention to belittle any specific artist. I mentioned god, whom my generation loved and adored, with warmth and affection, noting that they are still active today.' He added, 'I deeply apologize for causing unintended concern to god, the cast, the audience, and the fans present at the event.'