PSY, "Billboard counting method changed because of Gangnam Style"... "My job is the service industry"

Singer PSY, who has been active for 24 years, revealed episodes from his unknown days, the impact 'Gangnam Style' had on the music industry, and his own philosophy regarding performances. Appearing on a recent variety program, PSY reflected on his past career and defined his identity as a popular singer.

"Gangnam Style changed the Billboard counting method"... Traces left on the music industry

PSY chose 'Gangnam Style' as the peak of his career. He compared the situation at that time to 'pole vaulting,' explaining the experience of floating up to an unexpected height during the promotion period. In particular, he mentioned that 'Gangnam Style' went beyond individual success and brought practical changes to K-pop and global music charts.

PSY said, "One thing I helped K-pop with is the fact that the Billboard counting method changed because of this song." He pointed out that at the time, the Billboard charts did not reflect YouTube views in their counting, but after the explosive YouTube views of 'Gangnam Style,' changes occurred in the counting method, meaningfully conveying that his song contributed to changes in the music industry.

Dancing in the KBS hallway and connections with Yoo Jae-suk and Kang Ho-dong from his unknown days

PSY, who has been imprinted on the public with an unconventional image, revealed the unfamiliar environment of his early debut and episodes from his unknown days. He shared a situation where agency officials, after hearing only his voice, expected him to be "gentlemanly because of his mid-to-low tone," but were surprised by a character that contrasted with his actual appearance. He stated that at the time, the gap between his appearance and character was a topic of discussion to the extent that a 'faceless singer' concept was being considered. At that time, the agency even contemplated strategies to fit the era's atmosphere, debating whether to "make him wear a cape or a mask" regarding his character.

The desperation of his unknown days was also mentioned. PSY shared an anecdote of waiting for an opportunity by visiting the broadcasting station himself and dancing, saying, "I danced in the hallway of the KBS variety department wearing a suit" to get cast. He also recalled his connection with Yoo Jae-suk, who was the host of the program he appeared on at the time. He said that Yoo Jae-suk kept an eye on him during his unknown days, and actions such as putting a hand on Yoo Jae-suk's shoulder became episodes that meshed with his character. At the time, Yoo Jae-suk expressed expectations, saying that the unknown PSY "seems to fail to blow up too much compared to how he looks."

"My job is the service industry"... A 'infinite virtuous cycle' for the happiness of the audience

Among the various titles used to describe himself, PSY chose 'popular singer' as the name he is most proud of. Regarding the expression 'world star,' he said he feels "embarrassed" and stated that he preferred the expression 'international singer' in the past. The role of a singer as he defines it is closer to the 'service industry' than art.

PSY explained, "I think a performance is not the culture industry but the service industry," adding, "My job is to make the audience, who paid expensive ticket prices, the happiest people in the world for one day." He noted that seeing the audience jumping together during a performance makes him feel the reward that "the work I do is meaningful," and he cited the 'infinite virtuous cycle'—where the audience's happiness leads back to his own happiness—as the core of a performance. Additionally, out of a desire for the audience to focus on memories rather than recordings (filming) at the performance site, he delivered a campaign-like message: "Do not record, but remember."