“Gangnam Style,” known in South Korea as, “The Imperialist Yankee pig-dog Anthem,” boldly demonstrates an anti-American sentiment with explicit, cutting lyrics:
“American bufoons! We mock your Cowboy Gods with silly rhythmic movements!
You think that you are stylish! In fact, we are superior to you in this respect!
Nay! All respects!
You have provided us with yellow sour fruit! And we have, as your saying goes,
made yellow sour fruit drink using sugar and water! Op. Op. Op Op.”
-Park Jae-sang known by his stage name, “Psy”
Can you believe we’ve been dancing to these lyrics?! I mean, I’ve totally been lying to you thus far, but still, the point stands, you have no clue what the song is about. For all you know this chubby Korean is casting doubt upon the virtue of your. I have nothing but respect for your Moms!
Luckily, I’m here to solve the problem. I’m going to tell you what Gangnam style is all about. Who better than a non-Korean speaking Canadian with limited knowledge and exposure to the culture?
34-year-old Park Jae-sang known as Psy (short for Psycho) is the co-writer, co-producer, lead actor and vocalist in the most popular Youtube video of all time: “Gangnam Style.”
“Gangnam” refers to an affluent district of Seoul; South Korea located south of the Han River. Gangnam is specifically well known for its concentrated wealth and high standard of living. According to journalist Daven Hinskey, Psy has said the residents of Gangnam are seen as, “good-looking because of plastic surgery, stylish because they can splurge on luxury goods, and slim thanks to yoga and personal trainers.” Essentially, Gangnam is seen as the Beverly Hills of South Korea.
Luckily, I’m here to solve the problem. I’m going to tell you what Gangnam style is all about. Who better than a non-Korean speaking Canadian with limited knowledge and exposure to the culture?
34-year-old Park Jae-sang known as Psy (short for Psycho) is the co-writer, co-producer, lead actor and vocalist in the most popular Youtube video of all time: “Gangnam Style.”
“Gangnam” refers to an affluent district of Seoul; South Korea located south of the Han River. Gangnam is specifically well known for its concentrated wealth and high standard of living. According to journalist Daven Hinskey, Psy has said the residents of Gangnam are seen as, “good-looking because of plastic surgery, stylish because they can splurge on luxury goods, and slim thanks to yoga and personal trainers.” Essentially, Gangnam is seen as the Beverly Hills of South Korea.
According to US-Korean culture Blogger, Jea Kim, “Oppa” in Korean is an informal title used only by females when referring to older male friends. So, when Psy reaches the peak of his Gangnam Style chorus and yells, “Oppan Gangnam style!” he’s saying, with a satirical mocking tone, that Oppa(referring to himself in the third person) has the affluent, rich style of someone from the Gangnam district.
In the Gangnam style music video— as a whole —Psy portrays a pompous and clueless Gangnamese man who is searching for a woman that is, “well-behaved by day but a total party animal by night.” According to Jea Kim’s article, “My Dear Korea,” many of the scenes in Gangnam Style contain subversive jabs at the materialistic and vain lifestyle that certain Gangnam residents foster and that others envy.
Of course, on balance, rather then being a cleverly calculated subtle social-political commentary, maybe it’s just a fat guy being silly.
Presumably it’s both.
The video below, also courtesy of Jea Kim, contains a translation of Gangnam style into English.
In the Gangnam style music video— as a whole —Psy portrays a pompous and clueless Gangnamese man who is searching for a woman that is, “well-behaved by day but a total party animal by night.” According to Jea Kim’s article, “My Dear Korea,” many of the scenes in Gangnam Style contain subversive jabs at the materialistic and vain lifestyle that certain Gangnam residents foster and that others envy.
Of course, on balance, rather then being a cleverly calculated subtle social-political commentary, maybe it’s just a fat guy being silly.
Presumably it’s both.
The video below, also courtesy of Jea Kim, contains a translation of Gangnam style into English.