Korean sensation Psy to perform at F1 Korean Grand Prix

Korean pop sensation Psy will perform his megahit single "Gangnam Style" at the Formula One (F1) Korean Grand Prix this weekend, organizers of the race said Thursday.

The rapper will take his talent to the Korea International Circuit here in Yeongam, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, the venue for the third annual F1 stop in the country.

"Gangnam Style" has gone viral on YouTube, generating more than 400 million views since its July release, and the single has topped charts in several countries. It has shot up to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been at No. 2 behind Maroon 5's "One More Night" for three weeks.

The Korean Grand Prix will kick off with two practice runs Friday, a practice session and a qualifying run on Saturday and the final race at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Psy's show will be held after the final.

Organizers said holders of the three-day pass, covering Friday to Sunday, or the one-day ticket for Sunday's final will be able to attend the concert regardless of their seating zone.

At least one of the F1 drivers is thrilled to see Psy come to Yeongam. Nico Rosberg, the Mercedes driver and winner of the Chinese Grand Prix in April this year, said he has been on the Psy bandwagon.

"I enjoy the circuit a lot, and I am excited to get to Korea after following the new Gangnam craze on the Internet in the last few months," the German driver said. "When I have some time away from the car and engineering meetings, I'm definitely looking forward to his performance this weekend."

Psy is also the promotional ambassador for the Korean Grand Prix. He will wave the checkered flag at the end of the race, organizers said.

This is the third edition of the Korean Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso for Ferrari won the inaugural race in 2010 and Sebastian Vettel, racing for Red Bull, took last year's checkered flag.

Heading into this year's race, Alonso holds a slim 194-190 edge over Vettel in the drivers' standings. The Korean stop is the 16th of 20 Grand Prix races this year. The winner of a race receives 25 points, the runner-up earns 18 points and drivers in the top 10 are awarded a certain number of points. (Yonhap)