Gangnam style hits charts
Did you know the song Gangnam Style was named after the Gangnam District of Seoul, Korea? Gangnam quite literally means south of the river. The 2012 international pop song refers to the posh area in Seoul, Korea. The fun hit song had everyone wanting to kick it Gangnam style.
Just dance!
Psy, the Korean singer/songwriter, hit international waves when 'Gangnam Style' hit radios around the world. Teens and adults have all been mimicking the faux horse-riding dance since Psy's song hit charts.
Popping (the name attached to the style of dance, most K-pop stars adhere to) is still increasing in popularity today. Most poppers are self-taught and spend countless hours watching video tutorials online to perfect their techniques. Psy's song Gangnam Style hit poppers' interests by adding, possibly, a new style to their dance cards.
Korean pop culture soars in Western society
Psy had a major impact on Korean pop culture infusing into the west. His trending, sleek outfits had everyone turning their heads throughout 2012. The Globe and Mail published an article in September of 2012 labeled, 'Dress classy and dance cheesy.'
Although some may think Psy's 'cheesy' dress is something to laugh about, Psy is worth more than CAD 60 million. Psy is being described as bold and colorful. He perfectly executes the South Korean Gangnam male fashion code.
I think we can all say we would gladly adorn Psy's unique dress code for that net worth!
Don't be surprised if you still hear Psy's song, 'Gangnam Style' at a wedding reception.
Where is Psy now?
Not to worry, Psy is still rocking the pop scene and making music. We just aren't seeing as much of him in North America. Psy is focusing more centrally on the Asian music scene. Will we ever see another 'Gangnam Style' hit in North America? Maybe, Psy is still quite young (44 in 2021) and could bounce into the North American pop scene anytime.
Married
Psy (Park Jae-Sang) married Yoo Hye-Yeon in October of 2006. They are still married, despite any rumours. They have twin daughters.
2020 has Gangnam Style still soaring
Gangnam Style grossed over CAD 10 million in 2020 on Youtube. This song is still a huge hit.
P- Nation
In 2018 Psy founded P-Nation, a music agency based in Korea. Psy has been signing major Korean pop artists and popular singer/songwriters to the agency since. Even through world turmoil, Psy signed Heize (popular singer/songwriter) in 2020. Safe to say Psy is becoming, if he isn't already, Korea's pop legend.
Scandal and lawsuits
Psy was questioned in a sex scandal in South Korea in 2019. The scandal was spread out over a few years but left a few K-pop stars being questioned about their relations with the individuals involved.
Luckily many lawyers, like diamondlaw.ca, specialize in vicarious liability and can navigate when employers are sued due to an employee's misjudgment. This lawsuit involved Yang Hyun-suk, the founder of YG Entertainment, but Psy was pulled into it due to his association with Yang Hyun-suk.
Psy was not found guilty of any negligent conduct. Psy admitted to his friendship with Yang Hyun-suk and told police that they left early on any night in question.
Top charts
In 2012 'Gangnam Style' was the most downloaded song on iTunes. The fame spiraled upward as the hit song and Psy were featured on talk shows, sports events, video games, videos, and TV.
It became a flash mob theme song throughout 2012.
Spend a few minutes searching Gangnam style dancing and you will quickly see the wide range of ages this song draws on. Granny's dancing to 'Oppan Gangnam Style' is hilarious and entertaining. Thanks, Psy for bringing us years of this catchy song being stuck in our heads.
