GENTLEMAN – PSY
In 2013, South Korean artist PSY released “Gentleman,” his highly anticipated follow-up to the global sensation “Gangnam Style.” The song and its accompanying music video, “GENTLEMAN M/V,” were poised to replicate the massive success of its predecessor. While it did not quite reach the unprecedented viral heights of “Gangnam Style,” “Gentleman” still made a significant impact, solidifying PSY’s position as a global pop culture phenomenon.
The Song: A Continuation of PSY’s Signature Style
“Gentleman” features a catchy electronic dance beat, characteristic of PSY’s music, with a repetitive and infectious hook. The lyrics are a playful commentary on social behavior, with PSY ironically positioning himself as a “gentleman” while engaging in less-than-gentlemanly antics. The song blends Korean and English lyrics, making it accessible to an international audience.
The production of “Gentleman” was handled by PSY himself, alongside co-producers Yoo Gun-hyung and Jeon Jae-hong. The track’s upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm made it a natural fit for both radio play and dance floors worldwide.
The Music Video: A Visual Extravaganza
The “GENTLEMAN M/V” music video, directed by Cho Soo-hyun, who also directed “Gangnam Style,” continues PSY’s tradition of combining humor with high-energy dance routines. The video features PSY in a series of comedic scenarios where he behaves anything but gentlemanly, playing pranks on unsuspecting people. These antics include everything from messing with waitstaff to sabotaging treadmills at a gym.
One of the standout features of the video is the “arrogant dance,” a hip-swaying move that became the song’s signature dance. This move was inspired by the “Brown Eyed Girls” dance from their 2009 hit “Abracadabra,” and the group’s members even make cameo appearances in the “Gentleman” video.
The video also showcases PSY’s penchant for over-the-top fashion, featuring a series of colorful and outlandish outfits. His exaggerated facial expressions and physical comedy add to the video’s charm, making it a visual spectacle that matches the song’s high energy.
Global Reception and Chart Performance
Upon its release, “GENTLEMAN M/V” quickly garnered millions of views on YouTube, setting a record for the most views in a single day at the time, with over 38 million views. The video continued to rack up views, reaching over 100 million in just four days. As of today, it remains one of the most-watched videos on YouTube, with over 1.4 billion views.
The song also performed well on various music charts around the world. It topped the charts in several countries, including South Korea, and made significant inroads in Western markets, reaching the top 10 in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. On the Billboard Hot 100, “Gentleman” peaked at number five, demonstrating PSY’s ability to maintain his popularity beyond the initial “Gangnam Style” craze.
Cultural Impact
While “Gangnam Style” was a once-in-a-lifetime viral phenomenon, “Gentleman” proved that PSY was not a one-hit wonder. The song and its video further cemented his status as a global pop icon and showcased his unique ability to blend music, comedy, and dance in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
The “arrogant dance” became a trend, with fans and celebrities alike posting their renditions online. The video’s humorous take on social behavior and PSY’s charismatic performance continued to endear him to fans worldwide. “Gentleman” also contributed to the growing interest in K-pop outside of South Korea, paving the way for other artists to gain international recognition.
PSY’s Legacy and Influence
PSY’s success with “Gentleman” demonstrated the potential for non-Western artists to achieve global stardom in the digital age. His use of humor, memorable dance moves, and catchy tunes transcended language barriers, proving that music is a universal language.
PSY’s influence can be seen in the rise of other K-pop acts that have since achieved international success, such as BTS and BLACKPINK. His ability to create viral content that appeals to a global audience has set a benchmark for artists looking to make their mark on the world stage.
Conclusion
PSY’s “Gentleman” and its official music video, “GENTLEMAN M/V,” successfully followed up the unprecedented success of “Gangnam Style,” further establishing PSY as a global superstar. The song’s catchy beat, playful lyrics, and humorous video captured the hearts of fans worldwide and continued to build on the momentum of K-pop’s international rise. While “Gentleman” may not have reached the same viral heights as its predecessor, it remains a significant cultural milestone and a testament to PSY’s enduring appeal and creative prowess.
알랑가 몰라 왜 화끈해야 하는건지
알랑가 몰라 왜 말끔해야 하는건지
알랑가 몰라 아리까리하면 까리해
알랑가 몰라, we like, we-we-we like party, hey
있잖아 말이야, 이 사람으로 말씀드리자면 말이야
용기 패기 똘끼 멋쟁이 말이야
너가 듣고픈 말 하고픈 게 난데 말이야
Damn, girl, you so freaking sexy
I-I-I-I-I’m a, I-I-I-I-I’m a
I-I-I-I-I’m a mother father gentleman
I’m a, I-I’m a
I’m a mother father gentleman
I’m a, I-I-I’m a
I’m a mother father gentleman
알랑가 몰라 왜 미끈해야 하는건지
알랑가 몰라 왜 쌔끈해야 하는건지
알랑가 몰라 빨리 빨리 와서 난리 내
알랑가 몰라 난리 난리 났어 빨리 해
있잖아 말이야
너의 머리 허리 다리 종아리 말이야
Good feeling, feeling good, 부드럽게 말이야
아주 그냥 헉 소리나게 악 소리나게 말이야
Damn, girl, I’m a party mafia
I-I-I-I-I’m a, I-I-I-I-I’m a
I-I-I-I-I’m a mother father gentleman
I’m a, I-I’m a
I’m a mother father gentleman
I’m a, I-I-I’m a
I’m a mother father gentleman
Gonna make you sweat, gonna make you wet
You know who I am? Wet, PSY
Gonna make you sweat, gonna make you wet
You know who I am? Wet PSY, wet PSY, wet PSY, wet PSY, PSY, PSY, PSY
I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I’m a mother father gentleman
I’m a, I-I’m a
I’m a mother father gentleman
I’m a, I-I’m a
I’m a mother father gentleman
Mother father gentleman
Mother father gentleman