The Global Phenomenon of Gangnam Style

The Wonders' popular song "That Thing You Do" was a favorite among baby boomers, but now the Harlem Shake is dominating. Short videos featuring unknown artists on YouTube have piqued the curiosity of many. In 2012, PSY's hit "Gangnam Style" united people around the world with its infectious music and entertaining choreography. This new trend has garnered global recognition.

Exploring the origins of this worldwide trend, this article will analyze the reasons behind Gangnam Style's rise to popularity. At its essence, Gangnam Style merges complex choreography with a Korean-language track sung by Park Jae-sang, also known as PSY.

A veteran artist at the age of 35, PSY has been active in the music industry since 1999. In July 2012, he unveiled his sixth album named PSY 6 (Six Rules) Part 1, showcasing the viral hit Gangnam Style.

Within a month, Gangnam Style skyrocketed to become the most viewed video on YouTube. Its popularity continued to increase, reaching a milestone in December 2012 as the first video to hit 1 billion views.

Get quality help now

writer-Charlotte

Verified writer

Proficient in: Culture

4.7 (348)

“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Despite being in Korean, its dance moves and catchy beats captured audiences globally, with minimal focus on the lyrics. Additionally, Gangnam Style has influenced numerous aspects of global culture such as television, sports, parodies, flash mobs, celebrities, and technology.

Flash mobs of ethnic groups have occurred worldwide, with the first one taking place in a shopping mall in Pasadena, California. Gangnam Style received praise from prominent figures like Barack Obama and Jim Yong Kim. Many questioned its place in popular culture, but it is considered part of popular culture if it meets four criteria: association with commercial products, global development from local origins, accessibility, and ongoing evolution.

Gangnam Style is considered a valuable asset for businesspeople worldwide due to its widespread popularity. For example, YG Entertainment, a prominent Korean music label, sold approximately 100,000 copies of Gangnam Style nationally. PSY, the artist behind Gangnam Style, earned about $1 million from YouTube revenue share after the video became the most viewed. Additionally, Apple made Gangnam Style available on iTunes for users to purchase for $1.29. The most significant benefit for businesspeople has been the revenue generated from selling concert tickets for performances held worldwide.

Various companies, beyond just those within the music industry, have benefited from selling Gangnam Style merchandise like clothing, cups, bags, and cartoons. Dancing schools around the world are offering classes on the popular dance move associated with Gangnam Style. Additionally, there are now businesses providing photo editor apps that allow users to replace PSY's head in a Gangnam Style dance photo with their friends' heads. Overall, it is clear that Gangnam Style has forged connections with numerous global enterprises.

PSY initially planned to release Gangnam Style to rival other Kpop groups such as Girls Generation and BigBang. Nevertheless, the song's immense success surpassed his expectations. Within a mere 5 months, Gangnam Style transformed into a global sensation, enchanting viewers of various age groups - from adolescents to elderly individuals. The irresistible melody of Gangnam Style motivates individuals of all generations to groove whenever they encounter it.

Despite cultural differences, people worldwide seem to share a similar level of enjoyment. Gangnam Style was showcased on popular TV shows like the Ellen Show in the US, Strictly Come Dancing Show in the UK, and Who Will Become A Millionaire Show in India. Various ethnicities from different parts of the world posted Gangnam Style dance videos or flash mobs on YouTube. By December 2012, Gangnam Style had achieved great success, surpassing Justin Bieber's "As Long As You Love Me" on both Billboard and iTunes charts.

Gangnam Style is a global sensation, recognized by 90% of the world's population. It has achieved worldwide fame and accessibility, primarily through YouTube. This platform, where users can view and share videos at no cost, has been instrumental in spreading Gangnam Style to an international audience, accumulating an impressive 1,507,623,962 views on the site.

PSY's video and Gangnam Style CD are both popular with teenagers and adults who want to learn his dance moves. The CD is available in music stores worldwide, except North Korea, as well as online where fans can purchase other Gangnam Style merchandise like toys, shirts, and bags. PSY has gone on several world tours to promote his single in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Korea, and France.

PSY's performance at Time Square in New York for New Year's Eve 2012 showcased the global success of Gangnam Style. This viral song has had a significant impact on different types of entertainment, such as acoustic renditions like the one by Jayesslee, a twin sister duo, on YouTube in February 2013.

The acoustic version of Gangnam Style video has been the most viewed, with 22,847,341 views. PSY also remixed his Gangnam Style release with popular songs during his concerts last year. Many people translated and sang Gangnam Style in their own languages, while making sure to keep the original phrases "Oppa Gangnam Style" and "Hey Sexy Ladies". Some moves in the video have been modified to make the dance easier for everyone to follow along.

Overall, Gangnam Style is a standout in today's popular culture. Its unique dance moves and catchy beats have garnered worldwide recognition that appeals to people from all walks of life. The irresistible desire to groove along to the music is undeniable, making Gangnam Style a true representation of popular culture.