PSY, the singer of “Gangnam Style,” apologized to Americans today for his anti-American actions nearly a decade ago in South Korea in which he sang inflammatory lyrics that called for “f****ng Yankees” who have been torturing Iraqis and “their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law, and fathers” to be killed “slowly and painfully.”

In a statement, PSY said he was deeply sorry his “inflammatory and inappropriate language” and for “how those lyrics could be interpreted” and would “forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by these words”:

“As a proud South Korean who was educated in the United States and lived there for a very significant part of my life, I understand the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy in my country and around the world. The song I featured on in question from eight years ago — was part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq and the killing of two Korean schoolgirls that was part of the overall antiwar sentiment shared by others around the world at that time. 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. I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by those words.

Remarkably, before many in America knew of PSY’s past anti-American comments, PSY performed “Gangnam Style” on Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show” for U.S. Service Members in a Nov. 23 show honoring the U.S. military. PSY said he has “been honored to perform in front of American soldiers in recent months — including an appearance on the Jay Leno show specifically for them — and I hope they and all Americans can accept my apology.”

“While it’s important that we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so,” PSY said. “In my music, I try to give people a release, a reason to smile. I have learned that thru music, our universal language we can all come together as a culture of humanity and I hope that you will accept my apology.”

PSY will be performing at the annual “Christmas in Washington” concert on December 21 in which President Barack Obama will attend.