Gangnam Style’s Psy to write his next single in English

Psy, whose Korean language song Gangnam Style has been a worldwide phenomenon, plans to record his next single in English.

He only started writing the song this week and admits to finding it difficult.

“The second single is going to be in English,” he said. “And the thing is, it’s too much pressure to overcome Gangnam Style. It’s really hard.”

YouTube views for Psy’s dance video have now passed 350 million.

Too popular

Psy knows such huge success comes with issues.

“The problem is my music video is more popular than I am,” he admitted.

“That’s a big problem for me right now, so I’ve got to overcome my music video first.

“I’ve got to come to the UK, I’ve got to go everywhere to promote myself, who I am and what I’ve done for 12 years in Korea.”

Speaking from his home in Seoul, Psy says returning to South Korea has been overwhelming.

“Everybody is treating me like a gold medallist,” he said laughing.

“Everybody is describing me as a worldwide phenomenon, so especially for Korea, they are thinking of me as representing our country for the new history, for the K-pop history, so they are cheering a lot here.”

More K-pop?

Psy, 34, was the first K-pop artist to score a UK number one, so does he hope this will start a new wave of Korean acts having success in the country?

“Hopefully that’s what I want,” says Psy.

“I have lot of colleagues, a lot of partners, a lot of friends so if I have a chance, why not? I’ve got to bring everybody to the world.”

Psy had a one song deal with Universal in the UK for Gangnam Style but other labels are now looking for the next K-pop hit.

Luke Seoul works in local A&R in Korea for Sony Music Entertainment and wants to bring other Korean acts to the UK.

“That’s exactly what we are planning to do,” confirms Seoul.

“We have many artists such as a ballad singer named Tim. He is very popular in Korea and Asia as well.”

“And there’s an artist called Yiruma, he’s a composer and a pianist.

“He grew up in the UK and he’s very famous with piano solo pieces in Korea.

“It’s a little different from pop music but he gets so many requests from all over Europe and the UK so it could be any music, any genre that could go overseas.”

Luke Seoul isn’t surprised that Psy is planning an English single in November either.

“Right now recording in English is much more helpful [for overseas success],” he said.

bbc