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‘Gangnam Style‘ is a term that people around the world have been hearing repeatedly for quite a number of weeks now. Many people are super excited about the incredible recognition and success that Psy has managed to obtain in a matter of months, while others feel a sense of KPOP invasion by people that actually have no interest in Korean music. I stand somewhere in the middle.

Psy has been around in the music scene since 2001, but has never taken the spotlight, nor received as much attention as currently. Before Gangnam Style, he released a music video for his then single, “Right Now“. The song was catchy, the music video accurately captured his goofy, entertaining persona, and yet, he never got past 6 million views - a low number as opposed to many other KPOP music videos. Gangnam Style changed all that, and now, his video is heading to 300 million views.

But what happened?

My personal opinion is that the comedic quality of the music video is what really captured viewers. Sure, the world has seen countless “horseback dances”, so what makes this one memorable? Maybe it’s got something to do with the elevator thrusts and Hyuna in a super short skirt. Who doesn’t like some “middle-aged Asian guy” screaming at butts?

Don’t get me wrong: I am so incredibly happy for Psy and I wish him continued success. However, I just wish that he could be recognized equally for his musical talent and comedic talent, because at the moment, his musical talent is taking a back seat. The song is super catchy, and it would be a hit in the KPOP scene even if the music video was boring, but since the video is so different from most Western music videos, it has captured the attention of millions. Yet, it is sometimes regarded more as a viral video than an actual music video. Which it is!

What angers me, though, is the fact that Gangnam Style “fans”, who tell the world just how much they love the song, flood sites, with YouTube included, with comments like: “I love Psy! Chinese music rocks!” or “He’s like a Korean Justin Bieber!” Also, many people are convinced that they’ll be KPOP fans for life, and assume that all Korean music is wacky and will never be taken seriously. It’s not like SNSD or Super Junior has received more attention since Gangnam Style!

Plus, I know that we’re not all Korean, but after getting my ears flooded with GANGnam Style personally, I just feel like shouting, “If you’ve listened to the song a million times, you would know how to pronounce it!” Many people are also beyond ignorant, and just like the situation with Tiger JK, they expect any and every person that resembles an Asian to do the dance and sing: the very same people that thought KPOP was weird and wouldn’t listen to it because they don’t understand it… It’s not like Gangnam Style is super understandable to non-Korean speakers, unless “sexy baby~” summarises it for you.

Yes, one thing that I’ve always loved about KPOP is the fact that it’s unique in foreign countries. It’s not constantly played on the radio and variety shows don’t flood E! News, so seeing someone that represents KPOP all over international television is rather huge! I do hope that the people that claim to be hardcore fans stick around, because like most viral videos, they die eventually. But KPOP fans don’t!

I’m glad that Psy hasn’t forgotten where he comes from and what he represents, and I’m so happy that he’s finally getting some well-deserved attention. I adore the song and find myself doing the dance subconsciously. I would just like it if people started to see him more as an actual, hard-working artist, and less of a clown. Only he’s allowed to do that!

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You hit everything spot on. I’m not gonna lie but I feel like it’s us Americans who are ruining this song for everyone else. I USED to like the song before we ruined it by overplaying it and making stupid remakes that suck. I know I’m being a little harsh to my own country but let’s be real here: Americans are stupid and have no sense in real music. PSY works hard on everything he does and should never be taken lightly. Just a side note- I hate American music


First of all, I wish PSY the very best with what he will do in the US.
“If you’ve listened to the song a million times, you would know how to pronounce it!”
Ohmygosh I’ve said this so many times, pronounce it like it is in the song! NOT HARD! -_-
I totally agree with your view though, i think this hype will be short-lived but KPOP fans will always be there. ^^


I’m personally surprised that it’s taken a solo man with a fairly cool dance and catchy MV to move people’s attention onto KPOP whereas other groups which have been around for a long time have not yet been able to… I guess I am pretty annoyed that people who have never shown interest in KPOP before are suddenly “experts” but I am truly happy for Psy’s success at the same time too…


great explanation for how america’s mainstream music market works~


I totally agree with everything here. As much as I was happy for PSY, its just always been obvious to me that America took GS as a hilarious viral video rather than a good musical production. Which really sucks. There are so many people thinking that PSY is a creepy asian guy while the horseback dance is weird but funny. Idk...I feel like it’s going to be really hard to impress America further now, since GS is basically AT THE TOP. Im thinking, “what the heck can PSY do now aftering signing with Bieber’s agency?” I really don’t hope these “KPOP fans” will expect every PSY song from now on to be comedic like GS. It just shouldnt happen. I really hope those “KPOP fans” go away soon if they wont bother to actually learn about KPOP has a whole...saying GD is copying PSY...seriously? ugh…


I swear.. This is going to be overused in the future. And then everyone’s going to like move on from this “trend”.


It is kind of an up there song. I know most people know it for what they see on the video (since they don’t know Korean) rather than what the video says. Much less do they bother finding out the meaning. Then they stamp Korean music with some sort of stereotype (which I hear alwaysss). However, Psy doesn’t so much seem to mind, after all he made a big hit with the song.


I definitely agree with this article. People see Gangnam Style as a funny video more than a music video, and that’s fine, but they’re stating themselves as true fans when they don’t even bother to check out his other music (just some people). I just hope that they’ll support him for his music and not just his funny videos



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