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Obamas Attend Glitzy Holiday Party With 'Gangnam Style' Singer Despite Anti-American Controversy

Obamas Attend Glitzy Holiday Party With 'Gangnam Style' Singer Despite Anti-American Controversy

Singer allegedly said American soldiers should be killed "slowly and painfully"

President Barack Obama, third from left, with his daughters Malia Obama, from left, and Sasha Obama, join host, from third right to right, Conan O'Brien, singer Megan Hilty, South Korean rapper PSY and other performers, during the Annual Christmas in Washington presentation at the National Building Museum in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (Photo: AP)

(TheBlaze/AP) -- A holiday concert attended Sunday by President Barack Obama and his family included some non-traditional entertainment this year: a performance by South Korean rapper and Internet sensation PSY.

PSY- wearing an all-red outfit including a sparkling, sequined top- was backed by dancers wearing reindeer antlers as he performed his popular "Gangnam Style" dance, which mimics riding a horse.

The rapper, born Park Jae-sang, had apologized Friday for using what he called "inflammatory and inappropriate language" during anti-U.S. protests at concerts in 2002 and 2004.

U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with South Korean musician PSY (C), next to host Conan O'Brien (L) and performer Scotty McCreery (R) during the 'Christmas in Washington' concert at the National Building Museum on December 9, 2012 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Getty Images)

According to various reports, he publicly wished for American soldiers and their families to be killed "slowly and painfully" during a 2004 concert.

CNN roughly translated:

"Kill those f--ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives and those who ordered them to torture...Kill them all slowly and painfully," as well as "daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers."

But his past remarks certainly didn't dampen the festive holiday mood Sunday for America's leaders.

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) speaks during the 'Christmas in Washington' concert with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha Obama at the National Building Museum on December 9, 2012 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Getty Images)

Other performers at the charity concert included Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery and Megan Hilty, star of the NBC musical drama "Smash."

In brief remarks, Obama said the celebration was "a chance to get in the Christmas spirit, spread some joy and sing along with artists who have much better voices than we do."

He also said the holiday season was a time to remember that everyone is "incredibly blessed in so many ways," and to share with the less fortunate, such as those in hospitals, shelters and battlefields far from home.

Here is raw video from the event, via the Associated Press:

"Those blessings aren't just meant to be enjoyed, they're meant to be used and shared with those who have less," he said.

The "Christmas in Washington" concert benefits Children's National Medical Center. Before the show, Obama was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, as he presented a basket of books to four former patients of the center, who were dressed as elves.

The 31st annual concert was held Sunday at the National Building Museum and was hosted for a second year by comedian Conan O'Brien.

It is scheduled to air Dec. 21 on TNT.

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