[INTERVIEW] PSY: My Way, My Style - Pt. 2

<#10_QMARK#> I have to mention this on your YouTube video, it says 'this video is certain to penetrate the foundations of modern philosophy,' what does that mean?
<#10_AMARK#>I didn't mean that, some guy did that. When I read it I was like, 'modern philosophy?' I made this song, like I told you, just for fun. There was no philosophy at all. There was no philosophy but my basic principle or basic goal was to excite people. And that's not because I'm an entertainer but personally, that's the reason why I'm alive; to excite others. So I wanna be excited, and I wanna make people excited, and myself excited. That's all about my music, my shows and music videos--the excitement.

<#10_QMARK#>What do you think makes people go crazy at your concerts and mad for 'Gangnam Style'?
<#10_AMARK#>I think people digging my song 'Gangnam Style' and my shows can be understood in the same context. It's a fun song to listen and a fun show to watch. No one comes to watch my concert because they think I have a mysterious charm like other hot celebrities or because they're dying to see me in the flesh. It's just all about relieving their stress. The song 'Gangnam Style' is not particularly outstanding from a musical aspect nor is it a tear-burster. It just makes people relieve their stress.

<#10_QMARK#>How did you feel after finding out that T-pain has tweeted about 'Gangnam style'?
<#10_AMARK#>I didn't believe it. When Korean musicians are making sounds through auto tunes, we say 'Hey, make it sound like T-pain.' That person mentioned two times about my song on Twitter. The second post mentioning my music video was more surprising because he wrote [a part from my lyrics], 'Oh, oh, oh,' and then used a horse emoticon. He's so witty. I saw his Twitter a few days ago and he wrote that he went to a karaoke, with the picture of Taejin media's karaoke machine. I'm guessing that he went to a Korean karaoke. Next time if I have a chance, I want to take him there with me.

<#10_QMARK#>Do you have any plan for collaborations with overseas artists? There is a rumor that you are getting in touch with Justin Bieber's agency.
<#10_AMARK#>I'll tell you when things get fixed. But about collaborations, I'm very open to it and willing to do it anytime. I've never thought about doing it abroad though. I've done lots of collaborations since 'Paradise' (translated title) in 2002 and the new album also listed five collaboration songs. So, why not? It will be fun.

<#10_QMARK#>Speaking of collaborations, your music video stars comedians Yoo Jae-seok and No Hong-cheol, which is understandable because you guest-starred in 'Infinite Challenge' a while ago. But how did you get Hyun-a to appear in the clip? How did you guys know each other?
<#10_AMARK#> Actually, I didn't know Hyun-a personally. The way I got in touch with her was more like a hit-or-miss. I explained what the music video is about, its brief synopsis, concept and what her role is. I also sent a file that shows what the horse-riding dance is. Fortunately, she accepted to star in the music video right after I sent her the files. We filmed the video for about two to three days, and she did it for free. I appreciate it very much because I understand that it's hard for [a popular group like] 4minute to empty their schedule [to help other people].

PSY poses in front of the camera before opening his summer concert, "Summer Stand," held at Seoul's Jamsil Sports Complex, South Korea, on August 11, 2012. [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

<#10_QMARK#>Your sixth album is somewhat different from the previous releases. Whereas you preferred rock sounds in the past, you used electronic music this time. Are you planning to try new things whenever releasing a new album?
<#10_AMARK#>I don't have a fixed genre. Sometimes I make rock music and sometimes I make dance music that has electronic sounds. The reason why I'm covering new genres is because that's what people want from me. If they want me to dance, I make a dance tune, and if they want me to jump, I work on more rock sounds. This time, it was like 'let's all dance together for the summer,' and that's why I chose.

<#10_QMARK#>When the concert ends tonight, 'Superstar K' is probably the biggest event the year waiting for you during the latter half of 2012. Do you pay attention to contestants that exude a strong energy like you when you're judging them on the program?
<#10_AMARK#>Yes. They are pre-professionals so I focus on their possibility, star-ability, and scarcity. One thing I am worried about is that I was too harsh to a few participants during the shooting. There were some contestants who played when the camera was on, which is quite different from most people who are desperately trying to stay in the program. I got angry with them and told them to go home. So I might look too scary when it airs on TV.

<#10_QMARK#>Will there be anyone who is even close to resembling you, or you think will catch you up pretty fast?
<#10_AMARK#>PSY has a long history. It equally has the good and the bad. How long I've been in this business is not the result of all the effort and hardships I've gone through the last 12 years. There were countless events during the past 12 years that could have threatened my career as a singer. I wouldn't recommend becoming a singer like me because what I've through is like a thornbush. It requires more than just being funny to complete my character.

<#10_QMARK#>Yes. Despite the 12 years of the good, the bad and the ugly, what have you developed to call it the 'PSY Style'?
<#10_AMARK#>Since young, my life has been about having fun. I was very fortunate to have my hobby turn into a real job and I'm still living while making what's fun. As long as I focus on my music and performance on stage, without getting caught by the thought that I'm the father of two children and a married man, I'm sure I'll keep rolling out whatever's funny. I'll continue to show some fun with music.

*This interview was held together with ABC News.

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10 아시아 Interviewer : Monica Suk, Lee Hye Ji hjlee@
10 아시아 Editor : Monica Suk monicasuk@