Does PSY Still Make Music? The Legend Behind “Gangnam Style” Today
More than a decade after the earth-shattering, history-making phenomenon of “Gangnam Style,” millions of people around the globe still find themselves humming the iconic chorus or instinctively doing the horse-riding dance. But what happened to the man behind the viral sensation? Is Park Jae-sang—better known as PSY—still in the recording studio, or did he hang up his flamboyant jackets for good?
The short answer is a resounding yes. PSY is very much active in the music industry, though his role has evolved from a global viral sensation into a powerhouse label executive, master concert promoter, and seasoned veteran of K-pop.
Beyond “Gangnam Style”: The Later Musical Releases
While “Gangnam Style” (which officially crossed a staggering 6 billion views on YouTube) cemented PSY as a pop-culture immortal in 2012, he didn’t rest on his laurels. He followed up with global hits like “Gentleman” in 2013 and continued to release studio albums under YG Entertainment, including Chill§ and 4X2=8.
In 2019, PSY made a major career pivot by leaving his long-time home at YG Entertainment to found his own entertainment agency and record label, P Nation. Under his leadership, P Nation has signed and nurtured major K-pop and hip-hop acts, positioning PSY as a key kingmaker in the modern Korean music landscape.
As a recording artist, PSY dropped his milestone ninth full-length album, Psy 9th, featuring the addictive lead single “That That”. Produced in collaboration with Suga of BTS—who co-wrote, co-produced, and even featured in the music video—”That That” proved that PSY hasn’t lost his signature comedic charm, high energy, or knack for crafting massive earworms. The track dominated charts worldwide, proving his enduring relevance more than a decade after his international breakthrough.
The King of Live Performance: “Summer Swag”
If you are looking for PSY today, you are most likely to find him dominating a stadium stage. While he releases music at a more measured pace, his live performances are legendary spectacles.
PSY is the mastermind behind “Summer Swag” (Heumbeok Show), an annual massive concert tour in South Korea known for its colossal scale, water cannons, pyrotechnics, and hours of relentless dance anthems. Year after year, these tours sell out instantly, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. He continues to headline major regional events, such as the annual Gangnam Festival, where he frequently closes out massive street concerts for tens of thousands of cheering fans.
What is PSY’s Legacy Today?
PSY occupies a unique, untouchable space in music history. He fundamentally broke open the doors for the global K-pop boom long before Western markets fully embraced groups like BTS and BLACKPINK.
Today, whether he is producing the next generation of talent at P Nation, dropping unexpected superstar collaborations, or drenching stadium crowds in water during his marathon summer concerts, PSY is still very much making music and living life on his own terms. He is no longer just a viral meme—he is a foundational pillar of modern Korean pop culture who continues to entertain on a grand scale.
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