Well, at least Seoul, south of the river...
In a day and age where nearly all the world is on some for of social-media and more global citizens have a smartphone than a personal laptop, we're always prone in trying to identify the next “viral” thing that will “break the internet.”
But these mini-outbreaks are momentary and fleeting. Whenever Bieber comes out with a song, sure, it'll hit the top charts for a few weeks, get remixed a bunch, be repeated at clubs and cafes, and if they're lucky, be eternalized in a few movies or bamitzvah playlists. There's always the next big fish that'll chomp on the current one and take over.
Source: KJ Rocker
There is one exception I've seen and I'm oddly proud to say it emerged from Korea soil. One viral outbreak has affected a global culture so much and has been concretized in so many ways. It has defied any definition of pop-culture and is the progenitor of one of our current global phenomena.
Gangnam Style by PSY
You've probably seen the vivid music video of a middle-aged overweight asian man trotting around downtown Seoul trying to seduce young women. It's PSY, the somewhat mainstream rapper parody that made the pop-culture universe explode back in 2011. His catchy song “Gangnam Style” paired with the ridiculous wrist-over-wrist dance was and still is one of the most viewed and listened to songs of all time. After its launch, the internet was flooded by flash mobs and copycats from all over the world, even translated into narrated local versions in dozens of languages. Despite K-Pop being already international with groups like Big Band and Girl's Generation, absolutely nothing came close to the worldwide embrace of Gangnam Style.
Just hit 3 billion views. Source: Youtube
PSY even went on the Ellen show! His capacity to speak fluent english definitely made him more of an international symbol over the typical k-pop songs with random english words sprinkled in. PSY became a figurehead of Korean culture and a creative ambassador for the tiny country.
Your handy guide. Source: US Slave
His impact on Korean culture will linger for at least another generation or two. This is because not only was this song an absolute world-hit but the popularity also led to it being assimilated as part of Korea's recent history. Statues of PSY and his hands have been erected in the Gangnam area of Seoul and the animated dance is incorporated into commercials, signs, billboards, and many more public forms as the song has become synonymous with global success.
Outside the COEX shopping center
Gangnam Station. Source: Wienerin
PSY's pop impact is now physical, assimilated into local imagery and set the bar for what international fame feels like. It's amongst the number one topics talked about when conversations of Korea come up and it situates the country on a global map. It'll be interesting to see how this impact bakes itself into more and more of Korean life in the years to come.
Let me know what you think below. Have you ever danced to Gangnam style??
Gangnam Style is super popular here in Israel - PSY is some sort of a role model around here, to youngsters for the least most.
Personally, as a music producer and arranger, I think Gangnam Style is a pop masterpiece and sure that it will rock on for future generations to come
This song is very popular in Indonesia, and is often sung @hansikhouse
Wow really?? In Karaoke as well?
yes friends, this song makes people happy @hansikhouse
LOL, I love this cliffhanger prose:
Who, what, when? Gangnam.
Always Gangnam ;)
That songs always made me smile!
It has that contagious effect!
크 싸이!! 정말 최고죠!!
ㅎㅎ 네 맞습니다 @hongyeol님!
I just think PSY added one more layer to the Asian stereotype. Although it's a catchy song I don't think positively of it. Great post though :)
I'm curious to know your thoughts on this. Are there other songs/groups/forms of media that you think would have a more positive impact if introduced internationally?
Thanks for reading @zoethehedgehog!
Although it's unlikely I would like 국카스텐 to be more worldwide because their songs have actual depth :)
I think this song stormed the entire world! It is what I call an ear worm. Once you hear it, it just keeps replaying in your head!
So many ear worms! Love that phrase.
I love Gangnam style unique and interesting dance make us smile and spirit
That seems to be its great appeal!
I really loved this song and it got massive air play on Nigerian radio and television. Great post!
Thanks for reading!
와 강남 스타일이 벌써 2011년도에 나왔으니깐 6년이 지났네요~
참 시간 빠르네요 ^^;;
맞습니다 @antoniokt님!
한류음악의 가장 인기곡들은, 공통적으로 코믹과 단순한 동작의 춤짓이 결합된 형태라는 것, 그래서 누구나 다 따라하기 쉽고 배우기 쉽다는 것,
I wonder why he has failed to make another music video that is just as explosive. The later ones were just as fun to watch but did not have that big budget carnival to it. I want more Psy!
Haha, he does seem in a perpetual pursuit to top his 2011 masterpiece!
Very nice post! Although I've never danced... yet!
Never too late ;)
I really love this!!! Thank you honestly for sharing😊 pls kindly follow back,i'm new here.
I remember the song well. Are they still playing it in Korea?
It was a good time to be alive. It was like the opposite of 9/11 basically.
(Heeeeey. Sexy lady!)
i like this
Never Forget