From ‘Gangnam’ to US, video goes viral

Korean pop singer PSY performs dance steps resembling horseback riding in the music video for his new song “Gangnam Style,” which has spawned parody versions around the world. (Photo : YG Entertainment)

Korean pop singer PSY’s new song “Gangnam Style” is capturing the world’s attention with its wacky music video.

The title track of his sixth studio album has topped various online charts including Melon and Naver music for three consecutive weeks since its release on July 15. On YouTube, over 15 million clicks were recorded as of Monday for the song and comical video from the 34-year-old rapper, whose real name is Park Jae-sang.

Gangnam refers to a posh neighborhood in the southern part of Seoul that is considered the capital’s center of fashion and culture with its many expensive restaurants and bars.

The video for “Gangnam Style “ features Park and various backup dancers performing a funky routine of dance steps resembling horseback riding in various locations such as an underground parking lot, on a bus, and along the riverside.

Well-known Korean comedians, Yu Jae-seok and No Hong-chul make cameo appearances in the video and Kim Hyun-a of K-pop girl group 4minute acts as the girl that Park is singing about.

This marks the singer’s third biggest success after “Bird” in 2001 and “Champion” in 2005.

The iconic rapper’s ridiculous yet entertaining music video proves inspirational as there are already several parodies posted on YouTube that are also turning into massive hits not only in Korea but across the world despite the language barrier.

British singer Robbie Williams recently blogged about the video on July 28 writing, “P.S. Try watching this and not smiling I dare you… (Not even a lip curl),” and included a YouTube link to the hit video.

PSY was quoted by Yonhap News Agency on Sunday that his motto is to “be funny but not stupid.” He added that he has nothing to be afraid of even if he fails to break into the U.S. market which is the dream for most artists in the world. <The Korea Times/Rachel Lee>

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