Psy’s ‘Happening’ concert attracts worldwide attention

Back on his home turf where the 12-year veteran in the Korean entertainment scene is known for more than just the galloping choreography of “Gangnam Style,” the unexpected global K-pop phenom Psy electrified the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday night, attracting around 45,000 local fans as well as more than 130,000 online viewers.

The atmosphere at the World Cup Stadium was filled with intense excitement and anticipation from the tens of thousands roaring out and chanting for Psy during the entertainer’s highly anticipated “Happening” concert. 

With flashing lights, blaring up-tempo beats, raw energy of the live performances and Psy flying around in the air like Peter Pan, the global star created an atmosphere that made the crowd know that they were witnessing what would surely be one of K-pop’s most unforgettable performances. The rapper brought some of his old favorites including his debut song “Bird” along with his other hits including “Right Now,” “In My Eyes,” “Father,” “We are the One” and, of course, the crowd favorite “Gangnam Style.”

The comedic entertainer infamous for his antics excited the crowd with “Psyonc,” his tribute to the R&B pop singer Beyonc Knowles. Psy took the stage in all-too-short red shorts and performed the diva’s hit single “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” to an audience laughing and blushing at the same time. G-Dragon and Lee Hi, as well as surprise guests 2NE1, also made guest appearances at the show, basking in the celebration of their fellow YG Entertainment label mate. 

However, much of what made this concert so titillating for Psy fans was the unveiling of the star’s newest music video. The performance received worldwide media attention as the rapper promised to reveal the official music video and new dance choreography of his latest single “Gentleman,” which is the follow-up song to the all-time most-watched YouTube video “Gangnam Style.” And amid all the hype and attention that surrounded the globally publicized concert, gentlemanly Psy did not disappoint.

After the humorous music video ― which portrays Psy as a most un-gentlemanly character ― was played on the stadium screens, Psy took command of the stage with the first live performance of the new single and his mildly explicit hip-swaying and pelvis-thrusting “arrogant dance.”

“Even if this song is not a hit, it doesn’t matter,” Psy stated at a press conference held before the concert. “I’ve been in this industry for 12 years now as an entertainer and have produced many hits. So even if the new song doesn’t do so well, I don’t think people can consider me as a one-hit wonder.”

“I think we are looking at it the wrong way,” said Scooter Braun, his U.S. agent, who accompanied Psy to the concert and press conference. “I understand the one-hit wonder thing as far as his first global hit, but I want to be clear why I say you’re looking at it the wrong way.

“K-pop has sent tons of groups, to the States, around the world, and spent lots of money trying to break it for K-pop groups,” he continued. “And the guy that no one sent to the States, the guy that no one expected to be the artist from Korea to be known around the world, ended up being that guy.”

Braun closed his remarks by turning to Psy and saying “I got your back” as the two high-fived one another.

As of Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours since being uploaded on YouTube, Psy’s “Gentleman” music video had more than 13.8 million views, beating out teen heartthrob Justin Bieber yet again by setting another YouTube record for the most views on the day of release. Bieber’s music video “Boyfriend” was the previous record holder with more than 8 million views upon its debut.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)