Despite criticism, PSY enjoys chart success with 'That That'

PSY's latest release, "That That," which features BTS rapper Suga, has surpassed 1.1 million views on YouTube. Courtesy of P NATION

PSY's 'That That' dominates multiple music streaming charts around the world

By Dong Sun-hwa

Some people are criticizing singer PSY for "replicating his previous styles" in his new studio album, "PSY 9th," but its lead single, "That That," is still creating a splash on global music charts.

Upon the release of "PSY 9th" on April 29, some music critics based in Seoul commented that the album is "a mere imitation of PSY's original styles," adding it lacks decent melodies and creative lyrics.

PSY's ongoing chart success, however, seems to be a testament to the fact that the public still loves his signature catchy sounds and hilarious dance moves. Featuring Suga of K-pop sensation BTS, "That That" is at the top of the real-time charts of Genie and Bugs, the two major music streaming services in Korea, as of Sunday afternoon. On another platform, Melon, the tune has secured the No. 2 spot, after "Still Life" by K-pop act BIGBANG. It has been streamed more than 13 million times on the global streaming platform, Spotify.

The music video of "That That" ― which features an appearance by Suga ― has already hit 110 million views on YouTube as of Sunday. The clip reached the milestone of 100 million views on May 6, only seven days after its release.

The song also nabbed the No. 61 spot on the Official Singles Chart in the U.K., a major music chart in Europe. This is the third time that PSY has made it onto this chart, after his hits, "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman," ranked first and 10th in 2012 and 2013, respectively. "That That" is projected to retain a position on the Billboard main singles chart this week, too.

Produced by Suga, "That That" is a vibrant Latin-infused dance track that leads PSY's ninth full-length album. The album came out about five years after the singer rolled out his eighth full-length album, "4X2=8."

"Since Suga poured a lot of time and effort into producing 'That That," I hope it can make a splash," PSY said during a press conference in Seoul, April 29. "I did not intend to release 'That That' at this time ― when the world is moving towards an endemic phase ― but thankfully, a lot of festivals are set to take place in the days to come. So I think pandemic-weary people will react wildly to this festive song."

The 44-year-old singer added, "I am always thankful to people in their 20s for appreciating my music. I would call my album a success if they say, 'I am surprised that PSY is still wearing these weird outfits and doing a weird dance. He has not changed over time.'"

PSY, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, debuted with the album, "Psy From the Psycho World," in 2001 and has unleashed a string of hits such as, "Champion" (2002). In 2012, he rose to global prominence with his mega-hit, "Gangnam Style," becoming the first Korean singer to get on Billboard's main singles chart. "Gangnam Style" ranked second on the chart for seven consecutive weeks.

In 2019, he established his own entertainment company, P NATION, which now represents several singers, including Jessi and HyunA. P NATION is scheduled to launch its first K-pop boy group, TNX (The New Six), May 17.

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