Singer Na Hoon-a criticizes politicians during farewell concert

By KTimes

Legendary trot singer Na Hoon-a, during what he called the final performance of his music career on Sunday evening, delivered another sharp critique of politicians. His comments were a response to criticism he faced from politicians after remarks made at his Seoul concert on Friday, the first of a three-day farewell tour at Olympic Park’s KSPO Dome.

On Friday, Na had rebuked lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, saying, “The left is making a fuss, accusing the right of being wrong. But have you [the left] done any better?” His remarks sparked sharp criticism, particularly from politicians.

At Sunday’s finale of his "2024 Na Hoon-ah: Thank You — Last Concert," Na again criticized lawmakers while performing his song “Empty.” Unlike Friday, where he focused on opposition lawmakers, this time, he also pointed out shortcomings in the ruling party.

“After what I said on the first night, things got noisy. An opposition lawmaker told me to shut my mouth. If you [the public] criticize me, I’ll accept it, but I’ll never forgive them [politicians] for saying that. When I said, ‘Have you done any better?’ it meant, ‘The right hasn’t done great either, but have you [the left] done any better?’ And now they’re picking fights over that.”

Na’s farewell concert marked the end of his decades-long career, leaving behind a legacy as one of Korea’s most iconic singers.

The previous day, South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Yung-rok rebuked Na's remarks, saying, "Stop deflecting blame with false equivalencies and stirring societal unrest."

Rep. Kim Won-i of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea also said, “After a lifetime of receiving so much love while turning a blind eye to the world’s issues, you should have kept quiet as you exit the stage.”

In response, Na addressed the criticisms during Sunday’s concert, saying, “To those lawmakers or governors criticizing me, listen carefully. Do your own job properly. How dare you disrespect an elder who is speaking his mind?”

Na, known for his candidness, had previously called on politicians from both parties to prioritize public welfare, particularly in the economy and national defense. During the final concert, he extended his message, urging for harmony between Korea’s eastern and western regions.

“History shows that many nations, once divided into east and west or north and south, eventually became one,” he said. “From space, this tiny country [Korea] is split in half. Even during elections, one side is red, and the other is blue. If I had a year, I’d pass a law requiring candidates from Gyeongsang Province to run in Jeolla Province and vice versa. We must achieve unity. We cannot leave a divided country to future generations.”

Na also reflected on his 58-year career, symbolized by a photo montage of Korea’s 11 presidents, from Park Chung-hee to Yoon Suk Yeol. “I’ve seen 11 presidents come and go, but I’m still here,” he said. “I was never on good terms with any president. They’d summon me, and I’d ask, ‘Why should I go?’ So they stopped dealing with me altogether.”

The farewell concert marked the end of a nationwide tour that began in April following his retirement announcement in February. Na, now stepping away from music, shared plans for a quieter life. “I want to try things I’ve never done, eat food I’ve never tasted, and visit places I’ve never been. The thing I want to do most is enjoy makgeolli and bindaetteok on market days,” he said.

As the show concluded, Na knelt on stage to thank his fans, saying, “Putting down the microphone is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

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