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| K-pop star Psy speaks at a press conference about his newly released seventh album at the Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, Monday. / Courtesy of YG Entertainment |
By Kim Jae-heun
Global K-pop star Psy returned with his seventh album, but he is doubtful about duplicating the success of his 2012 megahit "Gangnam Style."
"I don't think another success like Gangnam Style will happen to me again," said Psy during the press conference for his new album at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, Monday. "It is a miracle when songs full of Korean lyrics gain worldwide popularity. I cannot compare the new track Napal Baji to Gangnam Style and I don't want to. Gangnam Style has become a song that is too heavy for me."
The veteran singer and rapper rose to stardom internationally after Gangnam Style hit No. 2 on the Billboard's single chart for seven consecutive weeks and set a record of the "most watched video" on YouTube with 2.443 billion views.
However, the 39-year old K-pop star still holds out hope for another breakthrough with his latest album titled "Chiljib PSY-Da," repeating history from three years ago.
Psy revealed two different singles that target domestic and international markets ― "Napal Baji" (Bellbottoms), and "Daddy" are the leading tunes for Korea and overseas, respectively.
"Napal Baji" is a funk number that adopts the retro style of the ‘70s rhythm guitar and drumming with humorous lyrics in Korean. The artist described the song as the most "Psy-like" track in his new album.
"Daddy," a strong tune based on a fast-tempo synthesizer sound, is an energetic dance song with an addictive repeating hook in English. CL, the leader of girl group 2NE1, is featured in the song.
"The two songs are different genres, they aim in different directions and they are made in different times. Even the music videos for the two tracks are very different," Psy said.
"I did not produce the two songs with any intention or strategy. It's just not the way I work. I tried to make the most exciting songs that can go along with the most joyous choreography."
The rapper revealed that he did not have a concrete idea on the choreography for the singles in the beginning and rather danced until it matched with the tune. He said with confidence that he has made the most exciting music he can produce now.
Psy's new album consists of nine tracks of diverse genres like EDM, hip-hop, medium-tempo to recent trend of Trap music. Korean and international artists, such as will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas, Ed Sheeran, Junsu of K-pop band JYJ and Zion T have featured as guest performers.
Meanwhile, Psy will perform at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in Hong Kong, Wednesday. The rapper is also scheduled to have end-of-year concerts from Dec. 24 to 26 under the heading "All Night Stand 2015 Concert God Psy" at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena.
