Jason Mraz talks about his opinion of Korean artists + gay rights

Jason Mraz is currently in Korea for his 'YES!' world tour. During his visit, he held an interview with JTBC News on November 24 discussing his musical process as well as his opinion on music and also human rights.

The interview, shown above, has an awkward start, possibly due to a language barrier. But things start to get interesting when JTBC anchorman asks questions regarding Mraz's musical philosophies.

When asked about his opinion on how in Korea, artists are commonly made by big companies and audition programs, Mraz replies at the 8:45 mark, "Well, I think that depends on each individual's idea of success." He continues, "There are great things about the big programs that I think encourage young people to play music that can promote artists, but at the same time I think it gives a false sense of the musical journey that one can take, because it all happens in a season of television. They can rise to fame and everyone else seems to fall. And even though they rise to fame, they can easily fall."

When asked about his opinion on gay rights, as he is known to be a gay rights advocate, Mraz replies, "We're always evolving, ever-changing, growing, expanding, and to treat people lesbians and gays [...] as second-class citizens, as non-equals, is following old education, is following old tradition."

At this, the anchorman states, "Sometimes old education is right," perhaps speaking for a country that is largely against gay rights.

At this, Mraz stated, "Sure, in some practices," and gives an example of how he believes in old pharmaceutical practices. He continues, "But in case of the human experience, everyone deserves a fair experience in life. Regardless of how you were born. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly."

At the end of the interview, Mraz thanks JTBC for interviewing him on his thoughts and philosophies behind his music rather than his popularity and fame.

In other news, Mraz has been in Korea ever since November 21 and performing at different locations. This marks his 7th visit to the country. As he is known as "Hongdae Mraz" as an artist who frequents the Hongdae area to perform in cafes and support Hongdae independent artists, it seems that Mraz has a particular affection for the country that keeps him coming back!