On March 5, the YouTube channel “Eyes Magazine” released a video titled “The Song That Changed Jay Park’s Life.” In the video, the artist reflected on his journey in music and selected Usher’s hit song “U Got It Bad” as the track that inspired him to pursue a career as a singer.
During the interview, Jay Park also addressed the 2009 controversy that forced him to halt activities with 2PM and return to the United States. “I wasn’t anxious. I just felt sorry and apologetic,” he said. “I thought that regardless of the circumstances, I had caused inconvenience and hurt to many people.”
Jay Park Reflects on His Mindset During the Controversy
Looking back on the situation, Jay Park explained that rather than feeling fear or anxiety, he chose to accept the circumstances as they unfolded. “I tend to accept situations as they come. I live my life going with the flow,” he said. “I try to accept what is given to me and do my best within that situation. So I didn’t feel overly anxious or afraid.”
His candid reflection drew attention, as it marked one of the rare times he has spoken directly about the controversy that dramatically changed his career. Jay Park also shared a story about how a fan helped him restart his career after returning to the United States.
When the host mentioned hearing that a fan in Seattle had gifted him a MacBook, the singer confirmed the story. “That’s right. That was the opportunity that allowed me to start again,” he explained. He recalled that YouTube was just beginning to gain popularity at the time, and many Asian Americans were posting music cover videos online. “I wanted to show my musical taste, so I recorded myself singing ‘Nothin’ on You’ in the bathroom using the MacBook the fan gave me,” he said. “That video reached three million views in just one day. It completely blew up.”
According to Jay Park, he uploaded around seven cover videos afterward, which led to offers and opportunities from different places. “To put it simply, those videos became the chance for me to start my career again,” he said.
Jay Park Shares His Personal Philosophy
When asked whether he ever considered quitting music during that difficult time, Jay Park responded honestly. “I’m not the type who is very afraid of criticism. I tend to do things freely,” he said. However, he clarified that he never intends to behave rudely or harm others.
The singer also spoke about how he does not feel obligated to follow rigid expectations about what a singer should be. “People have preconceived ideas and standards about how a singer should act, but I don’t necessarily follow those,” he explained. “Since I was young, other people’s opinions haven’t been a very important factor in my life.”
Toward the end of the interview, Jay Park shared his thoughts on personal values and mental well-being. He noted that many people today focus heavily on outward appearances while neglecting their inner selves. “For me, what’s inside is more important,” he said. “Even if everyone likes you, if your inner self isn’t organized, it doesn’t mean anything.”
He added that maintaining inner balance is essential to prevent emotional struggles and mental health issues. “If you live only for others, you can eventually make yourself sick,” he said.
In September 2009, Jay Park faced a major backlash after a post he had written on his personal social media resurfaced and was translated as criticizing Korea. The controversy led him to announce his departure from 2PM, the group he had been leading at the time, and return to the United States.
Later reports clarified that the post did not insult Korea but described his struggles adjusting to life in a foreign environment. However, in February 2010, JYP Entertainment officially announced his permanent departure from the group, citing personal issues. Since then, Jay Park has rebuilt his career and become one of the most successful Korean-American artists in the music industry.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠조선
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