10 years after Gangnam Style, Psy is ‘happier than ever’

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Ten years after Gangnam Style turned Psy into a global phenomenon, the South Korean artist is living his best life. The hit’s music video was the first to reach one billion views on KZbin, and its success on the platform changed the way Billboard ranks their charts. He says he is proud of his “greatest trophy” but is now free from the pressure of repeating that unprecedented success.
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[@Hello-jb2kv]

This man is the reason why kpop is huge.. He had an huge impact in the industry..

[@pokeswan]

@Fanboy🐰 😈 um yes

[@jiyuchan17]

@Fanboy🐰 😈 Yes, it's a fact. Because gangnam style is the first kpop song that make huge impact on the non-kpop listeners, from north to south, east to west, big city into small village. Even in my village at that time this song played on local radio. That's why this man is legend.

[@onengkusumah2905]

nope, not at all

[@onengkusumah2905]

@@jiyuchan17 i bet the villagers don't even know it's "kpop" lol, they just follow the hype like asereje or world cup theme song back then

[@chonk5271]

@Fanboy🐰 😈 Ok we understand, now stop commenting everywhere you fanboy.

[@bryan-7997]

I’m glad he’s happy now than before. Like he says, it’s success 10 years ago is a double-edged sword and it must have put pressure on him in his career from big breakout. Happy seeing him happy too

[@condorX2]

Why wasn't he happy? I remember he was anti west

[@machoman3955]

Not surprised...many anti west as well

[@deed2157]

@@condorX2 He apologized for that. Don't know how genuine, but he said it was bec it was an emotional reaction to the war in I. R. Aq and two S. Korean school girls being killed by U.S military who are based in Korea

[@Blitzkers99]

He is the legend of Kpop. Its because of him kpop reached to this level. All new artist and idols should Respect him, its because of him they got recognition.

[@niBBunn]

@Fanboy🐰 😈 After 2017? Probably only in your country, since groups like Girl's Generation and Big Bang have been making waves in Asia since 2007

[@deon_bang]

@Fanboy🐰 😈 they were famous globally, sis 🙂

[@souju_13]

@Fanboy🐰 😈 Oh 2ne1 was big in my country (SEA) because of Sandara Park, I'd like to think she even introduced kpop to this country. I personally think, PSY introduced kpop to the world and BTS made it stay, without any catchy songs.

[@kawaiipotatoes7888]

Without him BTS wouldn't exist...

[@extraterrestre2661]

Blackpink

[@davidcomrade7335]

I remember 10 years ago, when the song came out. I still consider it the biggest hit, bigger than Despacito. Even though Despacito has a ton of views, lot of people had Gangam Style on their t-shirts and did the iconic dance. Hits are not always measured by views, so for me it is the biggest hit of the 21th century.

[@wowpoopstaylorsversion3267]

Also before Baby Shark.

[@PatriciaFreddy]

Of course it was WAY better than Despacito.

[@AlexanderGarzowRonal]

Till to this day I still don't know why despacito is so popular, that song is so trash

[@SereF99102]

You forgot that this song had so many views on KZbin that the engineers had to modify the database for Miliards of views

[@projectx7453]

Agree

[@RespectOthers1]

He was definitely the trailblazer for K-Pop to dominate the world.

[@cottontheeastercottontailr265]

🤡

[@zxa03]

@@cottontheeastercottontailr265 🤓👆

[@reshad4890]

See what the world has become. A madman gains popularity. Madness makes money, brains are stolen.

[@shooky_bxnny3773]

Agree

[@sarathgopan3592]

K pop is not dominating the world.

[@Ryptahi]

He totally deserved the popularity he got.

[@reasontostay2399]

Psy paved the wave for K-pop generations and it's a fact

[@cptirivin]

Yeah he is the OG. They should be thankful to Psy

[@onengkusumah2905]

nope

[@GuysCupank]

For me, they are Wonder Girls with Nobody But You

[@enfp4950]

i agree. i got to know about kpop because of him

[@uchiha6284]

@@onengkusumah2905 learn more, don't be useless your whole life

[@Pitusha]

It's so nice to hear an artist still happy about a huge hit after so long... Usually I see artists get angry and frustrated at their own mega hits, because they get tired of it, they feel the pressure of producing another mega hit, and they always say that they "can do better than that", and "people should take a look at their other works, not only at the mega hit"... It's the first time I see an artist be truly grateful for their own mega hit, he seems to me like a very positive person

[@bareng-an221]

I think the fact that he's already a big artist in korea is one of the reason. Having recoqnition abroad is awesome, but it didn't really change his lifestyle

[@fc7307]

He actually said before that he doesn't care if the world thinks he is just a one hit wonder. He was already happy to have made the world dance.

[@thamarahhamil5744]

He's one of the pride in korean industry.

[@jarrodyuki7081]

he is but south korea needs to take north korea.

[@Discontinuedalready7372]

@@jarrodyuki7081 _How does this relate to Psy_

[@matthewfrantz5930]

@@Discontinuedalready7372 I have no idea

[@zve6]

@@Discontinuedalready7372 internet man

[@boyinpyjamas]

@@jarrodyuki7081 Russia should take europe and china should take india am i right.

[@iamjustme4542]

Don’t forget that he one of the reason that make some peoples start watching video on KZbin and promote viewers to billions nobody was ever reach that point after he done it then other start getting to the billions viewers too just because of him.

[@Natadangsa]

I have a friend who hates K-Pop, yet he admitted that this is the only K-Pop song that he loves.

[@a.asolus7564]

At this point psy’s fandom is probably the general public

[@sisamusudroka3000]

Same, especially after hearing what's going on behind the scenes in the current acts the Korean talent agencies are pushing. PSY is the one true genuine act.

[@sisamusudroka3000]

@Tom not as bad as basing your superiority on what kind of music you listen to, that's just sad

[@a.asolus7564]

@Tom what are you referring to by toxic fanbase? The haters or the kpop fandom? If its the former then youre seriously wrong

[@sisamusudroka3000]

@Tom man you need to learn how to read

[@PatriciaFreddy]

I think Psy and Michael Jackson are one of the few internationally known pop artist who united the world through music.

[@sobeliever1638]

Yes and Shakira did with her Africa song.

[@ai.regardless]

@@sobeliever1638that she stole

[@susanfanning9480]

He seems so calm. That's amazing.

[@mama-wh3dv]

Psy indeed proves that those achievements are a lot more than just trophies and awards. It's much more than those. People ask why kpop stans are crazy over streaming the songs? This is the reason. It's a lot more than song. It's an emotion. Every time I hear about gangnam style, I instantly travel back 10 yrs in time, become the same 7yr old me :)

[@hannesRSA]

He got lucky with the choreographer though. Most people don't care for his other music.

[@ItsRequeVII]

@@hannesRSA He got lucky altogether. LOL. Song was trash, but funny and catchy. It was a oddity song, not a amazing song.

[@mama-wh3dv]

@@ItsRequeVII and no one cares for your opinion. If you don't agree with my comment, just write your own

[@sparknad3811]

Gangnam style was literally the first K-pop song that I first heard and Psy was the only K-pop I was listening to

[@AlbertKimMusic]

Not only did he pave the way for us Korean KPOP industry, but also for the Punjub and other eastern asian music industries as well

[@nilocblue]

He was my introduction to k-pop

[@bakebook]

Unfortunate you’ve wasted the past 10 years listening to k pop

[@osmomosis9216]

@@bakebook You’ve wasted your whole life being upset at others for no reason, which is commendable because so little people could actually achieve that

[@bakebook]

@@osmomosis9216 what can I say, dopamine dead heads just seeking the next sensory overloading content bc they can’t take the time to grow out of their sub human shell and live life how it’s meant to be lived. People make me sick and you’re a sad excuse to be called human.

[@frostdesigns555]

@@osmomosis9216 I really don't understand why people hate on people for liking k pop so much. Like don't get me wrong, i don't really enjoy listening to it either, I find it cringe but it's even more cringe when people go out of their way to make fun of others for enjoying something they don't enjoy themselves...

[@nilocblue]

@@bakebook Who said I listened to it.

[@sandilemfeka4658]

Just proud of this guy for eing himself and making his own music, great he paved a way for not only K-pop but for a lot of other artists even outside South Korea, he is not only celebrated in his country but world wide.

[@renzoosuna6703]

Despacito might have surpassed it, but the Energy that Gangnam Style gave to people is much better

[@kirkmarcuz635]

K-Pop been recognized globally because of this man

[@athapa01]

If it hadn't been for him most of us wouldn't have known kpop back then! Hope he stays happy and cheerful always!

[@TheTechCguy]

This man started and made K-Pop for what it is! This is so true! And, 10 years after this song, we are now at That That! I remember being in high school, back in 2012, when Gangnam Style hit. The hype and popularity was so vivid!

[@raeward1605]

You are brilliant Psy, the world laughed and danced to Gangham Style falling in love with your fun loving humous personality. Now you refresh our love and a whole new generation of fans get to laugh, love and dance along with you again. Thank you Psy. 👍😁❤❤ regards from New Zealand. 🇳🇿

[@Someone.yeaaaa]

The man did rule the world at one point 🤧

[@defeatSpace]

I love the humility of Psy.

[@dulsetta]

This made me shed some tears... I am so happy for PSY's continued success. I remember how big of an impact Gangnam style had on me when it came out, I wasn't that connected to my Korean roots at all, but PSY having such a huge success w that song was a conversation starter and pride for me. He literally helped me to explore my culture a bit more, until discovering Blackpink & BTS and becoming a full blown kpop stan after a few years lol. It's kind of funny bc even though I am half Korean, I was a total "local" listening to mostly hip hop and edm lol. But there are a few Korean artists like PSY that really exposed me and the world to the talent and creativity that is exploding in Korea! Anyways, thank you for coming to my TED talk, peace and love, PSY!!! Many blessings, thank you for your music!!! 🥰🙏🏽💖🫂✨

[@parmmohan4603]

He changed everything for K-Pop!!!

[@allieniner675]

Honestly one of the best songs from when I was a teenager 👌🏻 absolute banger still 10 years on!

[@anqicz5576]

I remember being on my first Disney cruise and they played this song. Wow can’t believe it’s been ten years since the release of this song.

[@stevepeaple9051]

About six months after the hit was out I was at a kids event with my kids. The act on stage were trying to get the kids moving and dancing for about 15-20mins, and it was all a bit awkward. Then Gangnam Style came on. It was like a light switch being flicked. The place lifted. Not only did ALL the kids immediately start moving and smiling freely, pretty much everyone (inc all the parents) beamed and started moving. He paved the way for K-Pop, but he gives out so much joy through that song. Bravo Psy.

[@demijour1234]

Psy, you really set the precedent for YT popularity. I am Korean and |I get comments from people |I meet sometimes, you know that Gangnam Style song, lol. My step-brother gets compared to you all the time. You could be twins, lol. Proud that this hit came your way. .

[@speedstriker]

It has been ten years? It has been ten years...

[@AlbertKimMusic]

It's been ten fxcking years

[@Orhneeyou]

He is someone who remembers the joy of performing and helps other younger idols achieve their dreams and stay happy as well. I am really happy to hear him say "he is really free and happier than ever" and he really remains humble and grateful

[@josenunez8314]

I remember when gangnam style came out. I was 7 years old at the time. I watched the music video when it had 300 million views and now it has over a billion.

[@archdraong]

This is what it means by leaving a legacy behind. Happy for him!

[@Emerald29]

Man... Its just nice seeing people be happy with what made them popular every now and then. I see way too much news about how people got their lives ruined because of some thing they did that became popular, its nice seeing the opposite of that.

[@john.s]

he really is a gem of korea. and i am so happy that he is happy with his career

[@minascookie2038]

I find it sad and ignorant how some newer kpop fans are saying kpop only became popular on a global level after 2017 through BTS. Gangnam Style was the first Kpop song I was exposed to back in 2012. It made me discover other big kpop groups at that time (especially BigBang, 2NE1, snsd, beast, Kara, shinee, etc) In 2013, even less popular groups at that time like debut BTS caught my attention. Sure, they weren't as recognized as much as nowadays but you could still observe a decent amount of fans back then. I remember how the number of reaction videos to kpop mvs were exponentially increasing right after Gangnam Style came out.

[@wolfgang3385]

Tbh I think it’s bc most of them were like babies when Gangnam style came out so they don’t understand the impact psy had with kpop. I still remembered when Gangnam style were played every malls and every radios like despacito.

[@Laura-Yu]

Because they’re children, they weren’t aware of the world ten years ago.

[@darthhyoh7117]

For the first time that I heard it in high school, I was really surprised I was able to do it Gangnam style dance in public school and I was really popular. Made a lot of friends back then. Before my graduation I was really popular at my Prep rally and I was surprised 😮 that I won for the first time on prom king, that was no joke. It was for real. If it wasn’t his music I wouldn’t even get a lot friends I would be depressed and bullied. Thank you Psy you change my life. I’m glad 🙂.

[@StartingAura008]

I'm happy that he is happy and living his dream to the fullest 🙌

[@WhitExNoodlE]

This dude is my hero. I was fan waaaay before Gangnam Style. He is humble, hilarious, has national pride, is CRAZY TALENTED and smart. AND I think he is so cute and handsome. His talent agency is doing so well too. I hope he stays this happy

[@pineapplelord2422]

we had no clue what he was saying but it was so fking catchy and funny we all ended up loving it

[@Piatos69]

Way back 2012 the release of Gangnam Style and I was playing computer games at home, my cousin came and introduce me to his song and teach me the dance moves and its so catchy and addicting, it was the first kpop song that I like and its kinda weird because I dont understand the lyrics but I still like it hahaha, by the way its true that the music brings connections to the people even if there is a language barrier and PSY proves it.

[@Atlas92936]

I’ll never get tired of artists using that harness and several feet up in the air The shots look incredible. 0:32

[@Joseph-lz5er]

PSY Is the greatest legend ever.

[@James_____]

without this dude kpop is not popular he really did a huge impact in the kpop industry

[@eilois]

He defied the popularity of boy/girlband with pretty plastic surgery members at the time being, a solo singer of South Korea. Absolutely legend.

[@TheRealBruceLouis]

he still does til this day

[@mama-wh3dv]

And that's my friends, kpop at it's very best. Idk what the future of kpop is but I truly consider myself lucky to be born in this era.

[@isaacquinn7020]

SCMP's content is consistently great

[@invisiblestar4534]

He is so humble and grounded to his roots :)

[@bjcampbell3538]

This is.... more than awesome.

[@glszq4]

I swear watching that music video still makes me smile just as much as I did back then!

[@bagzbaggyking]

2:13 no phones

[@LIFETIMEDIY]

THIS SONG MADE ME CURIOUS ABOUT SOUTH KOREA.

[@OKOk-yj5ud]

All in all ,that was more than awesome

[@robb.2933]

Whats with the closed captions this guy speaks perfectly

[@chesterliew4360]

This man walk so other k-pop artist can run & fly, but no one can beat this legend

[@piggieluv92]

Psy tbh is actually one of the versatile kpop solo . The usual song that we know shud Gangnam style . But my always go to song now is Love by: psy feat taeyang & fact assault by : psy and gd . And back than when psy yet to start his own company . He was under the same company as blackpink / Bigbang /2ne1 name ygent . also back than ygent used to have ygfamily concert alongside with psy /bigbang / 2ne1 / gummy / epik high etc . Those were the golden time not just psy !!

[@gracie2298]

Whether then, now or 50 years into the future this song will always make you smile! He created moves that we had never seen before. Never get tired of the beat. It’s a song you just want to get up & start moving to. Thank you!

[@LittleParade_]

I wish PSY nothing but the best, he deserves it

[@availableusername9101]

Me and the homies not knowing Korean and trying to sing this: The demon that we summoned: :0

[@rahmanzulkifli4063]

The guy that made way for the groups/artists these days..he introduced kpop to the other ends of the world..

[@patrickcollins8048]

He is so wise

[@rheography]

what a humble guy, kudos to u Mr. Gangnam Style.

[@punarv]

I never imagined him to be so calm after watching Gangnam Style.

[@petermuniz9296]

Wow 10 years feel like yesterday :( am getting old

[@MrDwightsimon]

What a legend

[@abjaanebhido5350]

I remember being 8 years old when this song came and I always thought it to be a Chinese song.

[@Kitxne]

Without him I wouldn't even know Kpop existed

[@Meowface.]

I don’t wanna get old... make it stop 😩

[@theZackHolmes]

He's the reason why kpop is huge, Now don't talk about BTS I know they are popular too. But he was a one-man army taking over the world overnight.

[@deepak.a1383]

Guys love all equally , I'm a multistan so everybody got some talent , and it's our duty to support it .

[@namesbinge3073]

You be my curry, I'll be your rice. That was catchy.

[@godchama01]

most lit year of my 6th grade . never forget

[@eltonbritt1502]

Before BlackPink, Twice, BTS, the was Psy and his Gangnam Style👍 Gangnam Style undoubtedly boosted KPop's popularity beyond South Korea.

[@duskstone109]

I'm so glad he's doing well. He revolutionized K-pop.

[@Dannybythebanana]

This man walked so others could run If only he ran

[@SuccessforLifester]

After PSY I started to watch Hyuna and then mostly SNSD. I sort of stopped there.

[@OtakumaENY99]

PSY WAS/IS THE REASON SO MANY ARTISTS HAVE MEGA FAME

[@BoskiM]

Back in the day I did a gagngam Vs Harlem shake compilation and it went viral with millions of views

[@ranjana9841]

10 yrs of Gangnam Style means 10 yrs of kpop globalization.

[@MustBeNiceBro]

This is like the version of never gonna give you up but on South Korea XD

[@zerohours.]

He has gotten way better at speaking English after these 10 years

[@sasanghaokip9442]

Revolutionary

[@theonepieceguy9081]

He should be proud!

[@Archfiend]

Protecc this man at all cost

[@daveopenz]

Im not a fan of Kpop....but im a massive fan of fun, success, enjoyment and bringing people together. This is soooo freaking cool!!!!

[@petsandthingsilike]

Wow he really is humble

[@bangscutter]

He's the daddy of K-pop. A true trailblazer of K-wave.

[@israelayoade]

I knew Psy through my elder brother. He came home from work with headphones and was dancing. I was studying and was like "you okay? What's this new one you brought to this house?"

[@brianlam1663]

But it is THE GANGNAM STYLE !!!

[@jwwprod3862]

I remember back in 2012 and early 2013, while I liked Gangnam Style I did get annoyed with it being played all the time everywhere. But I will admit I was an idiot back then and I have great respect for Gangnam Style and Psy. Bless him :)

[@iwritechecksatthegrocerystore]

I remember being annoyed… and then I became a father and Baby Shark hit…. That was when I learned: “it can always be worse…” 😂😂

[@cptirivin]

The OG of Kpop music

[@JorgeLourenco000]

"since his debut 10 years ago" debut in the western world, he was already huge in south Korea.

[@SereF99102]

This song was such a sucfess for him that he had a kid. I think the kid is 10 or 9 by now

[@ineedmorecarrots6063]

so many salty on the reply section they cant accept the fact that a goofy korean man spark the new era of k-pop

[@1LuvMLPFiM]

Glad to see him still going strong and not giving into the pressure.

[@GuardianTiger]

I remember long ago in school, we had a party in our classroom because it was one of my classmates birthday and one of the songs played in the background was Gangnam style XD

[@Cardeamuzic]

Salute to this mans father, he got tired of seeing his son struggle and invested in him, salute to this man for conquering his goals. ✊🏾✊🏾💪🏾💯

[@mumihp]

His song was the first Kpop I listened to. This man is why Kpop is huge all around the world. He put it on the map.