Currently based in the U.S., Dok2 wrote on Sept. 4 KST, “Police came to my brother’s place in Korea over ‘defamation by publication’ and said I’ll be arrested if I don’t show up for questioning tomorrow.” He added, “Since when is speaking your mind a crime? Real MCs, hands up.”
He claimed the complaint is over “rap lyrics,” asking, “Who files a complaint after hearing a rap? Don’t you have anything better to do?” He also hinted he would post again once he identifies the complainant. As of press time, police have not commented.
Reactions from the hip-hop community and fans were split in the comments. One rapper noted he was found guilty on appeal after replying to an initial diss with a counter-diss and is now challenging the ruling, arguing that courts need to better understand the culture’s context―highlighting the gap between diss tradition and current defamation laws.
A “diss,” short for “disrespect,” is a staple of hip-hop, where artists call out or criticize specific targets through lyrics.
Meanwhile, Dok2 previously faced controversy over delinquent taxes and health insurance payments, but he reportedly settled about 670 million won in arrears this June.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)