The singer says he regrets using such violent language, but said the comments were made at a time when emotions were running high over the Iraq war and the deaths of the two South Korean schoolgirls who were run over by a US military vehicle.

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. 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.

The apology comes just days before he is set to perform during the White House Christmas special.