Since the first days of the "Korean wave," music producers have been pouring tons of money into trying to break-through into the American market. Even recent attempts have not proven to be fruitful. Wonder Girls, SNSD (Girls' Generation), and 2NE1, among others, have all not quite hit the mark. Even employing A-list American music influences (Jonas Brothers, Akon, etc.) hasn't quite done the trick. Korea's big-money, ultra-produced sensations have all failed to become mainstream in America.
But one relatively unattractive, overweight, unpolished and otherwise ordinary guy has apparently succeeded.
~ Without even trying.
~~ And doing it all with a satirical video that mocks a significant portion of Korea's ultra-proud culture.
I'm talking, of course, about Psy and his hit "Gangnam Style." At last check, the video was almost at 64,000,000 views on YouTube and still gaining over 1,000,000 per day. To put that in perspective, it has now beaten some of the most "viral" videos that we all know, such as "Tron Guy," "The Evolution of Dance," and even "Numa Numa." There are numerous parodies from all over the world. Psy was even spotted in attendance at L.A. Dodger Stadium and was greeted by their dance-cam to throngs of fans who actually knew who he was, knew the dance, and knew the song.
Ultra-polished Korean K-Pop producers must now hang their heads in shame over the awe of what Psy inadvertently accomplished. Let's hope that this is the break-through that all Korean music fans have been waiting for. And I'm personally hoping that Psy gets some credit for it!
But one relatively unattractive, overweight, unpolished and otherwise ordinary guy has apparently succeeded.
~ Without even trying.
~~ And doing it all with a satirical video that mocks a significant portion of Korea's ultra-proud culture.
I'm talking, of course, about Psy and his hit "Gangnam Style." At last check, the video was almost at 64,000,000 views on YouTube and still gaining over 1,000,000 per day. To put that in perspective, it has now beaten some of the most "viral" videos that we all know, such as "Tron Guy," "The Evolution of Dance," and even "Numa Numa." There are numerous parodies from all over the world. Psy was even spotted in attendance at L.A. Dodger Stadium and was greeted by their dance-cam to throngs of fans who actually knew who he was, knew the dance, and knew the song.
Ultra-polished Korean K-Pop producers must now hang their heads in shame over the awe of what Psy inadvertently accomplished. Let's hope that this is the break-through that all Korean music fans have been waiting for. And I'm personally hoping that Psy gets some credit for it!
Watch Gangnam Style, below...
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