Psy of “Gangnam Style” fame returned to South Korea earlier this week, but his impact is still being felt on American TV and pop culture. A funny office bit aired on “Chelsea Lately” and “Today” ran a segment on September 27 about Psy’s triumphant return to his homeland. On Friday, Psy tweeted that “Gangnam Style” has topped 300M views on YouTube. It’s all great news for the unlikely rapper who continues to take America and the world by storm.
Psy returned to Korea as a conquering hero. Back on his home turf, he immediately hit the ground running and performed “Gangnam Style” to a packed college campus. In a press conference, Psy said that America was very good to him. “Even if they didn’t know the lyrics, they just danced,” he explained on Thursday. Matt Lauer stated in a “Today” segment, “We’re looking forward to having Psy back on the Plaza at his earliest convenience."
Video: Psy Gangnam Style
Despite returning to Korea, Psy and “Gangnam Style” fever continues. He credits his near overnight success in America to his fun dance. An NBC report said on Thursday that the rapper “provokes normally level-headed people to break into dance.” Since “Gangnam Style” appeared on YouTube, it’s garnered more than 300M hits on YouTube and the number is growing by the hour.
When he spent 21 days in the United States, Psy popped up all over television. He debuted at the MTV VMA Awards, and then moved on to CNN International, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Nightline,” “Today,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “Chelsea Lately.” Plus, he performed in Las Vegas at the 2012 iHeart Radio Show and partied with superstars Miley Cyrus and Ryan Lochte.
For fans clamoring to see more of Psy and “Gangnam Style,” have no fear. Psy will return very soon to America, especially now that Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber’s manager has signed him. “These days people seem so stressed so I just want to make fun by my music,” Psy said of his newfound fame. “As an artist and an entertainer and a writer, I think that was my job – anti stress,” Psy told “Time."
So, what’s next for Psy and “Gangnam Style?" Look for a tour across America soon and even more TV appearances. As Scooter Braun knows all too well, superstars have to strike while the iron is hot. Psy is definitely hot. In fact, he’s hotter than a firecracker and his popularity is greater than ever.
Psy’s real name is Park Jae-Sang, but he goes by his stage name of Psy (short for Psycho). His quirky, colorful and outrageously catchy song and dance have spread like wildfire. “Gangnam Style” is the most watched in K-pop history with more than 300 million views since its release. On September 28, Psy was listed as #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, ahead of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Until his candle blows out, the sky is the limit for America’s newest TV and pop culture star.
To watch Psy’s return to South Korea as a hero, be sure to check out the “Today” clip at this NBC link.
