Psy Calls Korean Tensions A ‘Tragedy’
Psy has re-entered the zeitgeist with a new single, but used a recent interview to talk more about the rising tensions between North Korea and South Korea, the latter of which being his home country.
Psy released “Gentleman,” the follow-up to his runaway 2012 viral hit “Gangnam Style,” in 119 countries on Friday. He unveiled the single, as well as a new signature dance (called the “arrogant dance”) at a concert in Seoul on Saturday to an audience of over 50,000 fans.
But news of rising tensions on the Korean peninsula has caused Psy to reflect on the status of his homeland, which is living under increased threat of military attack from North Korea’s belligerent dictator, Kim Jong Un.
“It’s a tragedy. We are the only countries divided right now,” Psy said before his Saturday concert.
“Hopefully my `Gangnam Style,’ my `Gentleman,’ my music videos and my choreography… they might enjoy them too,” Psy said of North Korea’s citizens.
As far as his career is concerned, Psy noted that the incredible success of “Gangnam Style” made him feel pressured to deliver with his second single. Though “Gangnam Style” is YouTube’s most viewed video of all time with 1.5 billion hits, Psy said that his number one priority wasn’t replicating his success, so much as staying true to his Korean roots.
“I tried to find Korean words that people from any country can easily sing along,” he said of “Gentleman,” which includes lyrics in English and Korean.
But it’s hard to say whether Psy will find similar success with “Gentleman” or if he’ll ever top the popularity of “Gangnam Style.” Some have wondered whether Psy is one-and-done. Either way, it’s not going to slow the South Korean superstar down.
“Whether or not a couple of my songs become a global hit, I’ve been doing this job for 12 years,” Psy said. “I will bring more Korean dance moves and Korean songs overseas.”
Are you a fan of Psy? Here’s “Gentleman” in case you haven’t seen it yet.
[iframe src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/ASO_zypdnsQ” width=”560? height=”315?]
[Image via: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com]
