Undoubtedly, PSY's Gangnam Style was a groundbreaking song that laid the foundation for the future of K-pop. Released on July 15, 2012, the track made a lasting impact on the global music scene.
The 47-year-old South Korean rapper saw his song enter charts in over 30 countries, win the Best Video award at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and become the first video to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. From celebrities to politicians, including then-British Prime Minister David Cameron, many imitated his signature dance moves.
Gangnam Style shattered records, and nearly 13 years later, it continues to draw views. To date, it has amassed over 5.4 billion views on PSY’s YouTube channel.
Many have speculated about the message behind PSY’s massive hit. A Reddit user once posed this question to the community, sparking a lively discussion.
One participant referenced a 2012 interview in which PSY explained the song’s meaning:
“Gangnam is an area in Seoul. It has a calm atmosphere in the morning and a crazy energy at night. In my song, I describe women in the dimension of this area—calm in the morning and liberated at night.”
Despite this explanation, many Reddit users remained unconvinced. Some believed the song satirized the wealthy elite of the Gangnam district. Others saw it as a critique of South Korea's social decline, while some simply viewed it as a catchy tune without a deeper message.
Regardless of interpretation, Gangnam Style remains a symbol of global pop culture, playing a pivotal role in popularizing K-pop worldwide.