Rapper BewhY is once again at the center of a political controversy.
On the 8th, BewhY released his new song “SOUTHSIDE FREESTYLE.”
The track is part of his upcoming third full-length album “POP IS CRYIN’,” set for release on the 29th. In this song, BewhY shares his honest feelings about closing his hip-hop label Deja Vu Group, which he had led since 2017, his journey of rebuilding himself as an artist, and his responsibilities as a father.
However, some are claiming that the lyrics explicitly reveal political leanings. The song’s intro features the actual voice of the late former President Syngman Rhee saying, “It is the news of life, and the news of freedom.” Furthermore, lyrics such as “The harlot instigates / Want to make love extinct / Success in my voice / Beauty’s voice is ex-(beep)” have sparked debate. Many believe the “beep” sound at the end is an intentional reference to “Myeol-gong” (eradicate communism).
This controversy is intensifying due to BewhY’s past actions. During the semi-finals of Mnet’s “Show Me The Money 12” in March, he appeared on Kwon Oh-sun’s track “W.I.N.” with the lyric “If you uncover everything, you’ll be surprised. That level is like Seon-gu-an wi.” Because “Seon-gu-an wi” (meaning a keen eye for judging a ball) sounds like “Seon-gwan-wi” (National Election Commission) when spoken quickly, some suspected he was supporting election fraud conspiracy theories. Additionally, lyrics like “I kicked my EX because they praised equality over freedom” are seen as reflecting a dislike for certain political ideologies, linking back to the current controversy.
Public reaction is sharply divided. Conservative netizens are showing enthusiastic support, calling him a “true patriotic rapper who proudly reveals his beliefs,” “the top of K-hiphop,” and saying “this is what hiphop is all about” and “the Syngman Rhee shoutout is cool.” On the other hand, some expressed disappointment, stating, “It feels like music is being used as a tool for political agitation,” “the message is too explicit and biased,” “stop fueling political conflict,” and “it’s uncomfortable to see political colors.”
Meanwhile, on the 1st, BewhY announced the closure of his hip-hop label Deja Vu Group after nine years, sharing his feelings: “I failed. I have come to clearly know my limits and decided to let go of the things I was obsessed with. This decision was by no means light, and all responsibility lies entirely with me.”
