K-pop label C9 apologises after Epex’s new song Anthem of Teen Spirit is accused of Nazi-inspired lyrics and imagery
- Released on April 11, Anthem of Teen Spirit drew criticism over the line ‘Crystal Night is coming’ and the use of military uniforms and attack dogs in the MV
- C9 has since changed the song’s lyrics, re-recorded the release and plans to re-upload the music
South Korean music label C9 Entertainment has issued a statement in response to accusations that boy band Epex, which it manages, featured Nazi-inspired imagery and lyrics in a new song and music video.
Released on April 11, the single Anthem of Teen Spirit drew criticism following its release from online audiences concerned with the line “Crystal Night is coming” in a part of the song about violence and people becoming prey.
According to internet users, the line recalled Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, the name of a Nazi massacre in Germany of over 90 Jews that occurred on the night of November 9, 1938. The event marked a tipping point preceding the Holocaust, in which over 6 million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany and European allies.
The song featured other lyrics and imagery, including military uniforms and attack dogs, that fans took offence at.
C9 issued a statement on April 13 claiming that the release had “absolutely nothing to do with actual historical events”, and pointed to the song’s Korean title, which translates as Academy Song, as an explanation for its intense lyrics.
“Anthem of Teen Spirit is a song that points out and warns of the harm caused by the robotised education system that Korean youths are experiencing,” read the explanation.