- Born: December 31, 1977, in Banpo-dong, Seoul, South Korea
- Real name: Park Jae-sang
- Stage name: Psy
- Occupation: Singer, rapper, songwriter, composer, producer
- Debut: 2001, with the album “PSY From The Psycho World!”
- Awards: Cultural Merit (2012)
Biography
Psy was born on December 31, 1977, in Seoul, South Korea. His father is the CEO of DI, a semiconductor manufacturing equipment company, and his mother runs a restaurant in Gangnam.
Psy attended Banpo Elementary School, Banpo Middle School, and Sehwa High School. He was originally expected to take over his father’s business, so he enrolled in the international business program at Boston University in 1996. However, he lost interest in his studies after arriving in the United States and used his remaining tuition money to learn about music and entertainment technology, including computers, electronic keyboards, and MIDI interfaces. He then dropped out of Boston University and enrolled at Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, he took courses in ear training, contemporary writing, and electronic music composition, but he did not graduate, instead returning to Korea to pursue his dream of becoming a singer.
Psy made his official debut in 2001 with the album “PSY From The Psycho World!” His early work did not receive much attention, but he began to gain recognition with the release of the title track “Nan Arayo” from his second album “Sai!” in 2002. He continued to gain popularity with the release of the title tracks “Champion” from his third album “3jib” in 2003 and “Entertainer” from his fourth album “4jib” in 2006.
In 2012, Psy’s fifth album “Psy 5집” and its title track “Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon, making Psy a worldwide star. “Gangnam Style” became the most-watched music video in YouTube history, with over 3 billion views. It also reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Psy the first Korean artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Since the success of “Gangnam Style,” Psy has continued to release music, including the songs “Gentleman,” “Daddy,” “Napalbaji,” and “I LUV IT.” He also founded his own record label, P NATION, in 2015, and has been mentoring young artists.
Psy is considered to be one of the most influential Korean singers of all time. He has helped to raise the profile of Korean music around the world with his unique music style and flamboyant performances.
Major awards
- 2012, Cultural Merit (President’s Commendation)
- 2012, Mnet Asian Music Awards: Song of the Year
- 2012, Mnet Asian Music Awards: Artist of the Year
- 2012, MTV Video Music Awards: Best Pop Video
- 2012, MTV Video Music Awards: Best Worldwide Video
- 2012, Billboard Music Awards: Top Streaming Song (Audio)
- 2013, American Music Awards: Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist
- 2013, American Music Awards: Favorite Pop/Rock Song
- 2013, MTV Europe Music Awards: Best Video
- 2013, MTV Europe Music Awards: Best Song
- 2013, MTV Europe Music Awards: Best Worldwide Act
Other notable achievements
- On April 26, 2012, “Gangnam Style” reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Psy the first Korean artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Gangnam Style” became the most-watched music video in YouTube history, with over 3 billion views.
- Psy has won numerous awards, including the Cultural Merit (President’s Commendation) from the Korean government.
Psy is a true global superstar who has helped to change the course of Korean music. His unique style and infectious energy have captured the hearts of fans around the world
