Ambassador says Psy boosts Korea-U.S. ties

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, left, and K-pop sensation Psy give the thumbs up during a recent meeting at the U.S. embassy in Seoul in this photo released Thursday. The two met after the rapper visited the embassy to take care of visa matters. / Yonhap

K-pop sensation Psy may be raising the profile of more than just affluent southern Seoul these days. His viral hit “Gangnam Style” and its infectious horse dance are boosting bilateral relations with the United States as well, Washington’s top envoy in Seoul said Thursday.

Ambassador Sung Kim, who met Psy at the U.S. embassy after the rapper returned from a tour in the U.S., said the hit is helping to promote not only Korea but the alliance.

“I think Psy is a perfect example of the growing ties between the U.S. and Korea, and that his activities and success in the U.S. will enhance people-to-people ties between our two countries,” Kim, a Korean American, wrote on the embassy’s website.

“Gangnam Style,” which pokes fun at Seoul’s nouveau riche ­ began its meteoric international rise in July thanks in large part to rave reviews from American celebrities such as rapper T-Pain and blogs such as U.S.-based Gawker. The rest is history, literally: with over 427 million views, “Gangnam Style” is the most viewed K-pop video and the most “liked” video ever on YouTube.

“Psy told me that wherever he goes to the U.S., people from all walks of life come up to him, congratulate him, and start talking about ‘Gangnam Style,’” Kim said, adding that the musician was at the embassy to take care of a visa matter. “They often tell him how excited they are about his success, especially in promoting Korea’s image overseas and the positive impact he is having on Korean Americans. I agree.”

The rapper made a triumphant to return to Korea last week after a trip to the United States during which he appeared on Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, the MTV Video Music Awards and other high profile stages. He has also signed a deal with American talent manager Scooter Braun, who counts Justin Bieber among his clients.

The song’s breakout popularity has been embraced here, with observers saying its appeal stems from its uniqueness rather than from adhering to K-pop formulas.

Kim, who was born in Korea, was impressed by Psy’s personality as well. “What stood out to me was how humble and genuine he was. He is also very articulate, smart and pleasant,” he said. <The Korea Times/Kim Young-jin>

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