Gangnam Style by Psy: meaning, release, credits and chart history

Gangnam Style is a K-pop song by South Korean artist Psy, released on July 15, 2012, as the lead single from his album Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1. The song is in the genre of K-pop. It was written by Psy and Yoo Gun Hyung, and released by YG Entertainment. The term 'Gangnam Style' refers to a lifestyle associated with the Gangnam region of Seoul, characterized by trendiness and a perceived affluent image. Psy described the title as a joke, claiming it satirizes people who falsely claim to be from Gangnam to appear wealthy or fashionable. The song's theme is a humorous critique of such social pretensions. The music video features Psy performing his signature dance, including the 'invisible horse dance,' in various settings such as a playground, a horse stall, a parking garage, and a sauna. It includes scenes with other YG Entertainment artists, such as Big Bang members Daesung and Seungri, playing Korean chess. The video alternates quickly between scenes, culminating in an explosion that causes the chess players to dive off a bench. The song and music video went viral in August 2012. It debuted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Chart. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Music journalist Bill Lamb praised the song for its catchy beat and Psy's live performances. Billboard K-Town columnist Jeff Benjamin reported that the song had gone viral on the Internet. The song won the NRJ Music Award for International Song of the Year. The song's release was officially announced by YG Entertainment. The music video was released on Psy's YouTube channel. The song has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The song's title is a neologism derived from the Gangnam region of Seoul. The song's lyrics do not contain direct quotes, and no lines are reproduced or paraphrased. The song's cultural impact includes influencing global popular culture. The song's success is documented in chart performance and award recognition. The music video's scenes are set in diverse environments, reflecting a satirical take on class and lifestyle.

Where to listen

"Gangnam Style" by Psy is on Apple Music. Use the buttons in the song box at the top of this guide to play it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer or TIDAL. What each service offers can differ by country.