# Gangnam Style

> 2012 single by Psy

**Wikidata**: [Q890](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q890)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam_Style)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gangnam-style

## Summary
"Gangnam Style" is a 2012 single by South Korean artist Psy, released under YG Entertainment. It became a global phenomenon, breaking records for views on YouTube and popularizing K-pop music worldwide.

## Key Facts
- Released on July 15, 2012, under YG Entertainment
- Written and produced by Psy
- Part of Psy's album *Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1*
- Preceded by Psy's 2013 single *Gentleman*
- Associated with the K-pop genre
- Named after the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea
- Achieved massive success on YouTube, becoming the first video to surpass 1 billion views
- Featured in Psy's viral music video, which included a dance challenge and meme culture impact

## FAQs
**What is "Gangnam Style" and who released it?**
"Gangnam Style" is a 2012 single by South Korean artist Psy, released under YG Entertainment. It gained worldwide fame through its viral music video and dance challenge.

**What genre does "Gangnam Style" belong to?**
"Gangnam Style" is a K-pop song that blends hip-hop and pop elements, reflecting Psy's signature style and YG Entertainment's signature sound.

**How did "Gangnam Style" impact internet culture?**
The song's music video became a global sensation, inspiring the "Gangnam Style" dance challenge and meme culture. It also set a record for the fastest video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube.

**What album is "Gangnam Style" from?**
"Gangnam Style" is part of Psy's 2012 album *Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1*, which includes other tracks from his sixth studio album.

**Where is Gangnam, and how does it relate to the song?**
Gangnam is a district in Seoul, South Korea, known for its luxury lifestyle. The song's title and music video reference this area, symbolizing wealth and success in a humorous yet iconic way.

## Why It Matters
"Gangnam Style" revolutionized global music consumption by leveraging the internet's viral potential. It broke barriers for K-pop, proving that Korean music could dominate international charts and social media. The song's success demonstrated the power of digital platforms in shaping cultural trends and artist careers. Psy's innovative approach to music production and marketing set a precedent for future artists, influencing how music is promoted and consumed in the digital age. Beyond its commercial success, "Gangnam Style" became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring dance challenges, memes, and a broader appreciation for Korean pop culture worldwide.

## Notable For
- First music video to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube
- Pioneered the "Gangnam Style" dance challenge, which became a global internet sensation
- Introduced Psy as a global superstar in the K-pop industry
- Symbolized the rise of viral music in the digital age
- Featured in Psy's *Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1* album, marking a significant chapter in his career
- Named after the prestigious Gangnam district of Seoul, adding cultural and geographical significance
- Demonstrated the power of social media in breaking international barriers for Korean music

## Body
### Origins and Release
"Gangnam Style" was released on July 15, 2012, under YG Entertainment, a South Korean entertainment company known for producing influential K-pop artists. The song was written and produced by Psy, a rapper and singer who had already established himself in the music industry. It was part of Psy's sixth studio album, *Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1*, which included other tracks that further showcased his musical versatility.

### Viral Success and Cultural Impact
The song's music video became a global phenomenon, featuring Psy dancing in a luxury apartment while wearing a designer suit. The video's humor and catchy beat quickly went viral on YouTube, leading to the "Gangnam Style" dance challenge. The challenge involved people attempting to replicate Psy's dance moves, which spread across social media platforms. The video also set a record as the fastest to reach 1 billion views on YouTube, solidifying its place in internet history.

### Genre and Musical Style
"Gangnam Style" is a K-pop song that blends hip-hop and pop elements, reflecting Psy's signature style and YG Entertainment's signature sound. The song's upbeat rhythm and humorous lyrics made it accessible to a global audience. Its success demonstrated the growing influence of K-pop in international markets and the appeal of Korean music beyond its domestic audience.

### Relationship to Gangnam District
The song's title and music video reference the Gangnam district of Seoul, known for its luxury lifestyle. Psy's portrayal of a wealthy, confident individual in the video resonated with audiences worldwide, symbolizing success and self-assurance. The connection to Gangnam added cultural and geographical significance to the song, making it more than just a musical hit.

### Legacy and Influence
"Gangnam Style" remains a landmark achievement in music history, showcasing the power of digital platforms in shaping cultural trends. It inspired a wave of dance challenges and memes, demonstrating the song's lasting impact on internet culture. Psy's innovative approach to music production and marketing set a precedent for future artists, influencing how music is promoted and consumed in the digital age. The song's success also highlighted the growing importance of K-pop in the global music industry.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BBC Things