PSY appeared in the new documentary series “K-Everything” on CNN International on the 9th (KST), where he shared stories about his famous “Summerswag” concerts.
“K-Everything” is a program that explores the roots and global influence of Korean culture, which is currently leading world trends. Hosted by actor and producer Daniel Dae Kim, the four-part series delves into K-pop, dramas, food, and beauty. PSY joined the show as a representative interviewee for the K-pop segment to chat with Daniel Dae Kim.
When Daniel Dae Kim asked, “Summerswag has become a legend in Korea. It can’t be easy performing in the middle of the Korean summer heat,” PSY replied, “I perform for about four hours per show. Since I was young, I’ve always felt happy when others were happy.” He added, “I think my concerts are the peak of happiness.” He emotionally shared, “When I perform in front of 25,000 people, I’m seeing 25,000 faces happy because of me. In those moments, I feel like I could die without any regrets.”
The interview also touched upon the monumental impact of “Gangnam Style” in K-pop history. Daniel Dae Kim introduced the track, noting, “Released in 2012, it broke into the US market and completely changed the status of K-pop. It was the first YouTube video to surpass 1 billion views, achieving this record just six months after release.”
PSY shared a touching anecdote about Tiger JK, who once pulled over to the side of a highway and called him while crying. PSY noted, “You know what it means for Korean-Americans to hear a song with lyrics entirely in Korean playing on US radio,” to which Daniel Dae Kim deeply empathized, saying, “Just thinking about it makes me emotional.”
They also discussed the “Gangnam Style” statue in Gangnam. While PSY humbly admitted, “Honestly, personally, I feel shy and that it’s more than I deserve,” Daniel Dae Kim countered, “You fully deserve it. What PSY has achieved through music has significant meaning not just in Korea, but worldwide,” viewing it as a rightful tribute to his achievements.
Additionally, when asked by Daniel Dae Kim how long he has enjoyed the success of “Gangnam Style,” PSY revealed the struggle of a creator, saying, “As a singer, I enjoy it for a lifetime, but as a composer, it is both a dream and a nightmare.” He confessed his inner conflict, wondering, “How can I create something even better than this song?”
Meanwhile, “Summerswag” is PSY’s signature summer brand concert.
