Viral South Korean Military Performance Of Kendrick Lamar Songs Spark Major Controversy

South Korean men have to enlist in the military, unless they are exempt for extenuating circumstances, but many idols have been seen performing during their enlistment at special events.

The Male K-Pop Idols Enlisted In The Army Who Are Going Viral For Their Epic Cover Of NewJeans’ “Hype Boy”

Performances by soldiers are common, and several weeks ago, a video of a soldier performing Kendrick Lamar songs was posted.

While the clip was posted some time ago, it has started going viral after being posted by a popular Kendrick Lamar X account.

South Korean Air Force covers Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and “tv off” 🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/0qq9CDA45d

— kendrick Lyrics (@WordFromKdot) September 1, 2026

Yet, it sparked major controversy as netizens had hugely divided reactions to the performance. Some were taken aback by the choice of song, not understanding why it was chosen, and others hit back at the decision.

south korean talking about some “40 acres and a mule” alright 😭

— thundercat bootlicker (@thundercatliker) September 1, 2026

We as a community gotta do something about Koreans lmao

— W.E.B. DaBoi (@Tyre_94) September 1, 2026

They really missed the whole message of the song

— Rocky (@LizaSimpson34) September 1, 2026

I just fucking realised its a military event. who the fuck brought up the idea to use kendrick for military propaganda

— SodjtheTHiRD 🇳🇬🇵🇸 (@sodjthe3rd) September 1, 2026

What the hell he talking about he ain’t black, YOU ARE FROM KOREA!!!

— 𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘴 🥷🏿 (@hoodg3nius) September 1, 2026

While others praised the performance and loved how it showed the global impact of Black culture.

Black culture has global influence

— Dr. Allison Wiltz (@queenie4rmnola) September 1, 2026

It also became a hot topic among US outlets.