This week, I am going to discuss something that has become all the rage in North America since its release on July 15th, 2012. Gangnam Style by PSY has become an internet and media sensation in just a few months. But why do you think it has become so popular? Why this song? Or, more importantly, why is it still going strong three months later and, in fact, gaining popularity even still. Will PSY have the staying power to fully enjoy fame in the west, or will he fade into oblivion as was the fate of fellow viral video phenoms such as Rebecca Black and the infamous Chris Crocker?
K-Pop Star Issues?
I've read on http://www.allkpop.com that a lot of Korean stars are really confused about how popular PSY has become in North America. The reason for their confusion is that many K-pop stars have tried very hard to become famous in America. Girl group Girls' Generation (SNSD) even came out with an English version of their popular song "The Boys", and they came to North America to perform their song in New York but have yet to gain even a fraction of the popularity level of PSY. Weird. Nine gorgeous Korean girls with a super-catchy song (featuring Snoop Dog...err...Lion) can't catch the eye of those in North America, but this silly Korean dude can? What's he got that they don't?
How These Things "Usually" Go!
(Rebecca Black vs. Justin Bieber)
Those in the viral video category can go one of two ways -- sky high or quickly into the toilet. There have been quite a few phenomenons in the past decade, two of the most known are Justin Bieber and Rebecca Black, who are perfect representations of both sky high and the toilet, respectively . Both of them were discovered on the internet; one blew up and became the famous "heart throb" we know today, and one just plain blew up and faded away. I think PSY has become so popular, because in North America, people love a good joke; they see the video and find it funny. The question is, will he be able to overcome the silliness and make a good career over here for himself, or will he continue to be the joke of 2012 and fade away? Will he be our next Biebs or will he fade into oblivion a la Miss Black? Only time can tell us that!
My Outlook On PSY's Outlook and K-Pop In The West
I personally believe K-pop is amazing, and many of its stars could become very popular in the West, but people need to open up to it. Has PSY opened the door, and will we soon see an influx of Korean stars on our North American TV? If they play their cards right, we just might. I believe, since PSY got signed with Justin Bieber's record company, he may have a chance at serious success over here. If his fellow K-pop guys and gals jump on board with the right songs and the right timing (now!), they may soon be taking over the airwaves.
Side Note
http://www.youtube.com/charts/videos_views?t=a
Gangnam Style (as of this writing) - 405,854,844 views
The current #1 listing on the YouTube chart for most viewed - 136,814,353 views
There is something wrong here! When you click on the link provided, you will notice that Gangnam style is not on any of YouTube's ranking charts, when it should currently hold the place of most views, most discussed (comments), most likes and most favorited. Yet it does not appear on any of those lists. Weird, right?
Here is an article on the subject:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/09/psys-gangnam-style-music-video-removed-from-youtubes-most-liked-chart
