It’s been 10 years since the cultural phenomenon Gangnam Style was released on YouTube. If you could believe it.
A decade ago the South Korean singer and rapper psy broke into the music scene in a bright blue tuxedo with the catchy K-pop theme and meme-worthy horseback riding to lyrics eschewing “Oppa Gangham Style” (where “oppa” means “older brother” in Korean).
Prior to the anniversary, Psy talked about the pressure and impact of creating such an iconic song.
“If the song is a hit, your songs should stay hits,” he said CNN. “If the person is a hit, the success is more sustainable.”
Psy also led the way for other K-pop bands to enter the global market such as: BTS who have often cited the Gangham Style singer for their massive, worldwide success.
Bandmate Suga said in a YouTube video that Psy “paved the way for K-pop in the US, allowing (BTS) to follow that path more comfortably.”
When was Gangnam Style first released?
On July 15, 2012, Psy dropped the hit.
It quickly went viral and became the first YouTube video with over 1 billion viewsas well as hitting number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking three Guinness World Records.
Where is PSY now and how old is he?
Since the viral success of Gangham Style, the musician – who is now 44 years old – has released new songs over the past 10 years on three albums full of dance numbers and even softer ballads.
His second hit and the follow-up to the viral sensation, Gentlemen, was also viewed 1.4 billion times on YouTube.
While none of his other songs have had the same success, Psy has also focused on supporting the next generation of South Korean acts with his music label P Nation.
Psy also performs in an annual Summer Swag concert series that is about to begin after being delayed by the pandemic.
The star admitted his vision of his music hasn’t changed throughout his career: “To make fun music, fun dances and bring joy to my fans.”
“That’s my hope,” he added to CNN, “I was of the same opinion 10 years ago and I think 20 years from now I will feel the same. I will always be faithful to that.’
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