Jay Park Opens Up About His 2PM Departure — “I Was Only Sorry, Not Afraid”

Jay Park is speaking openly about the moment that changed his career more than 10 years since he left 2PM.

During a recent appearance on the YouTube series “Lyrics Psychology” on the Eyesmag channel, the artist reflected on the controversy surrounding his departure from the group in 2009 and the emotions that he felt at the time.

His answer may surprise some fans.

“I just felt sorry”

During the interview Jay Park discussed the track that he considers to be the most meaningful in his life this being Usher’s “U Got It Bad”. While remembering the old days he also reflected on his journey so far as an artist. The show host tried to empathize with Jay Park and asked if after he paused his career as a K-pop idol and returned to the United States was a hard period of time in his life.

But Jay Park responded simply:

“I wasn’t anxious.”

Instead, he explained that the strongest feeling he experienced was guilt toward the people affected by the situation.

“I only felt sorry and apologetic,” he said.
“I caused trouble and inconvenience for many people.”

Despite the circumstances, he said he tends to approach life by accepting whatever happens and focusing on doing his best in the moment.

The YouTube video that changed everything

Jay Park also opened up about a turning point in his life that that eventually helped him rebuild his career. After returning to Seattle, he began posting cover videos on YouTube, something that was becoming popular among Asian American creators at the time. Using a MacBook he had received as a gift, he filmed a cover video inside a bathroom.

What happened next surprised even him.

“It reached about three million views in just one day,” he said.

The sudden attention led to numerous offers and ultimately opened the door for him to return to the music industry and become the artist we know today.

During the interview, Jay Park also shared his perspective on criticism and public opinion. He admitted that he isn’t someone who is overly afraid of negative comments saying he is someone who likes freedom. However, he emphasized that he tries not to act in ways that harm others. At the same time, he believes artists should not feel pressured to follow rigid expectations about how a singer should behave.

According to him, focusing too much on external opinions can lead people to ignore their own inner values.

“Even if many people like you, it doesn’t mean much if your inner self isn’t in order,” he said.

Jay Park originally debuted as the leader of 2PM in 2008. But in 2009, he faced intense criticism after past comments on a social networking site were interpreted as insulting toward Korea. The controversy led to his departure from the group and his return to the United States. He later officially parted ways with JYP Entertainment in 2010.

Today, Jay Park is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in Korean hip-hop and R&B.