For the last two months, DUNER'S BLOG has been bombarded with questions about the Hip-Hop Star PSY. He's the Korean sensation that's sweeping the nation! Let's get started...
Just what is 'Gangnam Style' anyhow? (Giles, France)
'Gangnam' is a Korean proper noun which translates directly as "South of the Han River." Over the years, this area has become an upscale neighborhood in the booming capital Seoul. It's also where our hero PARK JAE SANG grew up. To pay homage to his roots, the video for 'Gangnam Style' was filmed here. The Asem Building and the Trade Tower are clearly visible in the background. The second word...Style...is much more difficult to define. Here the term involves a suggestive dance that simulates sex on horseback.
Why is PSY in the Guinness Book of World Records? (Kenneth, Kenya)
We aren't the only ones in the world who is plum-crazy about PSY. (He insists on spelling his name with three capital letters...not us!). Don't believe us? Well, his video recently became the 'Most Liked' item in the lengthy, seven-year, history of You Tube. WOW! Currently in second place is LMFAO's equally raunchy video with 1.5 million. JUSTIN BIEBER is third with 1.3 million likes. Anyhow, this accomplishment warranted a place in the 2013 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
While PSY was indeed at the United Nation...it was actually just a meeting. See, the Secretary-General of the U.N., BAN KI-MOON, is a fellow South Korean. So while PSY was in New York City, he managed to squeeze him into his busy schedule between the ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW and THE X-FACTOR. "I'm a bit jealous," quipped Mr. Moon, "until two days ago I was the most famous Korean in the world. Now I have to relinquish. I have no regrets."
How many weeks has 'Gangnam Sytle' been #1 on the charts? (Rani, India)
Believe it nor not...Zero! Although PSY has topped the pop charts in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and across Europe and Asia...the poor guy has been stuck at #2 on the Billboard Singles charts for seven aggravating weeks. Despite his online popularity, he just can't knock the most popular band in the USA off the top spot. "One More Night" by the group Maroon 5 has been #1 for eight weeks. In response, PSY promised fans if Gangnam Style hit #1 he'd perform the song topless. (Let's hope something got lost in the translation!)
Uh-oh, Helen! Do not disrepect PSY. Just because a song has Auto-Tune and silly lyrics in two languages doesn't mean it is not serious music. As a youth, PSY attended Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music where he studied contemporary musical synthesis. There, he met his wife who is a professional celloist. PSY has a ten year musical career and had topped the charts in Korea six times prior to becoming "The Undisputed King of Pop." (Heidi Klum's quote...not ours!)
ROCK ON, PSY!!!
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