The Impact Of ‘Gangnam Style’ A Decade After Its Release

Ten years ago, a music video called ‘Gangnam Style’ was released by South Korean artist Psy. It quickly became a global sensation and broke records by becoming the first video on YouTube to reach 1 billion views.

Today, eleven years later, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many and has left a lasting legacy.

One of the most significant impacts of ‘Gangnam Style’ is its role in promoting Korean culture and music around the world. Before Psy, K-pop was a relatively niche genre, largely unknown outside of Korea and East Asia.

However, the success of ‘Gangnam Style’ introduced K-pop to a global audience and helped establish it as a legitimate genre of music. The song also opened doors for other Korean artists, such as TWICE, who have since taken the world by storm.

Another legacy of the hit song is its impact on the global music industry. The music video’s success proved that YouTube and social media could be powerful tools for promoting music and artists, leading to a shift in how the industry operates. Many artists now use YouTube and social media to promote their music, and record labels invest heavily in online marketing campaigns.

Furthermore, Psy’s iconic song challenged traditional beauty standards in the music industry. The singer, with his unconventional looks and chubby figure, broke the mold of the typical pop star and proved that talent and personality could be more important than looks.

This has paved the way for more diverse representation in the music industry and challenged the beauty norms that have dominated it for so long.

‘Gangnam Style’ has also become a cultural phenomenon in its own right, with its iconic horse-riding dance and catchy chorus becoming instantly recognizable around the world. It has been parodied, remixed, and referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and other media. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

Eleven years after its release, ‘Gangnam Style’ continues to leave a lasting legacy on the music industry, Korean culture, and popular culture as a whole. Its impact will be felt for years to come, and it will always be remembered as a true global phenomenon.