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Epik High criticized for backward masking?

Recently, hiphop group Epik High has been criticized for the backward masking in their song “비(Be)”.

According to Wikipedia, backward masking is a recording technique in which a sound or message is recorded backward onto a track that is meant to be played forward. It often causes much controversy, be it made intentionally or accidentally, especially when a hidden message is embedded in this special recording. It was often associated to the worship of the devil.

“Be” when played backwards, a single word “Jesus” could be heard. This issue last made its way as a headlines in 1994 for the song “Classroom Idea” by SeoTaiJi and Boys. It had seemed that just like the case for Seo TaiJi, this case of backward masking for Epik High is unintentional.

For the case of “Classroom Idea”, when played backwards, the words “not enough blood” was heard. This had clashed with the idea of protestant idea then. And when Seo TaiJi and Boys‘ song “HaYeoGa” was played backwards, the words “I love Satan” can be heard.

Outside of Korea, other singers have also received criticism for the issue of backward masking like the group Judas Priest. They had a song “Better by You, Better than Me” in 1978, which in 1985 rose suspicion regarding backword masking. The words “Do It!” could be heard when the song is played backwards. Parents of the teenage fans of Judas Priest took the group’s company CBS to court, and a total of $40,000 was compensated to the parents. Another group Queen, their song “Another One Bites The Dust”, the words “It’s fun to smoke marijuana” could be heard when played backwards.

Watch the backward masking video of Epik High’s “Be”: http://video.naver.com/2008070917111389264