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Gangnam Style

"Gangnam Style" is a K-pop song by PSY released in 2012 that became a global sensation, known for its catchy beats and iconic dance. The song critiques materialism while celebrating the affluent lifestyle of Seoul's Gangnam district, achieving record-breaking views on YouTube and inspiring widespread cultural impact. Its legacy continues to influence the global music landscape and paved the way for other K-pop artists to gain international fame.

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49 views2 pages

Gangnam Style

"Gangnam Style" is a K-pop song by PSY released in 2012 that became a global sensation, known for its catchy beats and iconic dance. The song critiques materialism while celebrating the affluent lifestyle of Seoul's Gangnam district, achieving record-breaking views on YouTube and inspiring widespread cultural impact. Its legacy continues to influence the global music landscape and paved the way for other K-pop artists to gain international fame.

Uploaded by

madchenshmirtz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Gangnam Style: The Global Phenomenon

Introduction
"Gangnam Style" is a K-pop song by South Korean musician PSY, released on July 15, 2012.
The song became a viral sensation, breaking multiple records and leaving a lasting impact on
global pop culture. With its catchy beats, satirical lyrics, and iconic horse-riding dance,
"Gangnam Style" took the world by storm, making PSY an international superstar.

Background and Meaning


The term "Gangnam Style" refers to the lavish lifestyle associated with the Gangnam district
of Seoul, South Korea. Known for its wealth, luxury, and trendsetting culture, Gangnam
serves as a symbol of affluence and social status. The song humorously critiques the
materialistic aspirations of people who want to appear wealthy and stylish but may not truly
belong to that world.

The Viral Explosion


"Gangnam Style" gained traction almost immediately after its release, but it was the music
video that catapulted it into global fame. The video, featuring PSY’s quirky dance moves and
humorous sequences, became an internet sensation, accumulating millions of views within
weeks.

Record-Breaking Achievements:

 First YouTube video to hit 1 billion views (December 21, 2012)


 First video to reach 2 billion views (2014)
 It held the record for the most-liked video on YouTube for several years
 Inspired countless parodies, remixes, and dance challenges worldwide

Cultural Impact
The song’s popularity extended far beyond South Korea. It was embraced by celebrities,
world leaders, and fans across all age groups. Some key moments of its cultural impact
include:

 Barack Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon referencing the song


 Madonna and Britney Spears performing the iconic dance with PSY
 NFL, NBA, and other major sports teams incorporating the dance into celebrations
 Harvard, MIT, and other prestigious universities analyzing the song’s impact in
media studies

Musical and Choreographic Influence


The song’s beat is a fusion of K-pop and electronic dance music (EDM), making it both
infectious and club-friendly. Its famous horse-riding dance move became a global trend, with
people performing it at concerts, weddings, and flash mobs. The simplicity and humor of the
choreography made it accessible to audiences worldwide.

The Aftermath and PSY’s Career


Following "Gangnam Style," PSY released several other songs, including "Gentleman"
(2013) and "Daddy" (2015), which also gained popularity but did not reach the same viral
status. Despite this, PSY solidified his place as a K-pop pioneer who introduced Korean
music to a global audience.

Legacy and Conclusion


A decade after its release, "Gangnam Style" remains one of the most significant moments in
internet and music history. It broke cultural and linguistic barriers, proving that music can
transcend borders. PSY’s viral hit paved the way for other K-pop artists like BTS and
BLACKPINK to gain international recognition, shaping the global music landscape forever.

Even today, "Gangnam Style" is remembered as a fun, energetic, and unifying song that
brought people together through dance, laughter, and entertainment.

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