Korean “PSYCHO” going wild internationally

K-pop – Korean pop – has reached Australia. And its blend of dance, electropop, hip hop and R&B has the nation up on its feet. Leading the beat is rapper Psy’s (short for psycho) Gangnam Style, a YouTube and iTunes chart-topping video that has fans across the world going ‘insanely wild’.

 By CHERISH LI

Ever listened to a song which replays itself over and over in your head? If not, South Korean rapper Psy’s (short for psycho) new hit song ‘Gangnam Style’ is definitely the one you’ve been waiting for.

‘Gangnam Style’ was written and recorded as the title track of Psy’s sixth album. With electro beat, the funny Psy repeats the lyrics “Oppa Gangnam style”  throughout the song, which roughly translates to “Girls, your big brother is Gangnam style”.

Gangnam is a luxurious and trendy area in Seoul. It’s the Beverly Hills of Korea. The twist is that the song’s video – a YouTube sensation with more than 180 million views since July 15 – shows scenes that are nothing like Beverley Hills.

It might not have Beverley Hills’ glitz, but the video is the most viewed K-pop (short for Korean pop) video in history. The song was number one on the iTunes music video chart in September. And the popularity of the video has surpassed singles from Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.

Chrissy Ding, a Chinese international student in America, said in an email interview that she loved the “the beat and the dance moves of the song” and that the song had gone “insanely wild in the U.S.”

“Not only do Asians love the song, I have got some white friends who love the song as well; even some of my teachers enjoyed it,” she said.

Chris Darwen, an Australian university student, said he even heard Psy’s song in clubs in Australia, and would love K-pop – a mix of dance, electropop, hip hop and R&B - to become a western trend.

“The thing I find so addictive is the memorable lyrics, dance and more importantly the guy thrusting his hips in the elevator in the music video,” said Mr Darwen.

Park Jae-Sang, the artist known by his nickname, Psy, debuted in Korea back in 2001 and has been active in the music scene ever since. He cites as his musical influences artists like Eminem, Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, and Dr.Dre.

Laura Lee, a Korean student in Brisbane, said Psy was a well-respected rapper in Korea, widely popular because of his “fashion, style, humorous videos and confident stage performances”.

“It’s a big hit in South Korea; it’s definitely the song of this summer. You can hear it everywhere; it’s on the streets, shops and restaurants.”

Like Psy’s previous works, his comedic rapping style makes the song sound playful and teasing.

Jian Gu, a Chinese media commentator, said it feels like “you were partying in a carnival when you listen to Psy’s music in this hot summer”.

He said Psy’s sixth album was an “amazing” album that is based on both hip-hop and pop music, and said that Psy’s signature humour and unique style made him stand out in the western market.

‘Gangnam Style’ is a perfect introduction to Korean pop music. It’s fun and engaging with satirical lyrics, head-banging rhythm, and amusing choreography that makes you feel like dancing to the beat.