Psy brings Gangnam-style to Bangkok

Psy was off in running as soon as he touched ground in Bangkok, rushing to Siam Paragon to meet his fans and the media and then quickly off again to Muang Thong Thani for a packed concert.

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Psy greets his fans outside Siam Paragon shortly after arriving in Bangkok. NATTHITI AMPAIWAN

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Psy gallops into Bangkok, Gangnam-style

BangkokPost.com and Jocelyn Gecker, AP

The South Korean rapper behind YouTube's most-viewed video ever galloped into Muang Thong Thani Wednesday night for the first Asian concert since his Gangnam Style video began taking the world by storm.

After greeting fans at Paragon, Psy headed for Muang Thong Thani and Wednesday night's free concert.

Park Jae Sang, better-known as Psy, was the star of the packed-out concert.

Earlier, after his arrival in Bangkok, he met fans, signed autographs, held a press conference – and set what might be a "Mission: Impossible" for himself.

Asked which celebrity he would like to see go "Gangnam Style," Psy told The Associated Press: "Tom Cruise!"

Surrounded by screaming fans, he then chuckled at the idea of the US movie star doing his now famous horse-riding dance.

Psy's comments in Bangkok were his first public remarks since his viral smash video – with 838 million views – surpassed Justin Bieber's "Baby," which until Saturday held the record with 803 million views.

"It's amazing," Psy told the media, saying he never set out to become an international star. "I made this video just for Korea, actually. And when I released this song – wow."

The video has spawned hundreds of parodies and tribute videos and earned him a spotlight alongside a variety of superstars.

Earlier this month, Madonna invited Psy onstage and they danced to his song at one of her New York City concerts. MC Hammer introduced the Korean star at the American Music Awards as, "My Homeboy Psy!"

Even President Barack Obama is talking about him. Asked on Election Day if he could do the dance, Obama replied: "I think I can do that move," but then concluded he might "do it privately for Michelle," the first lady.

Psy's free concert Wednesday night was organised as a tribute to His Majesty the King, as the nation prepares to celebrate his 85th birthday. Psy paid respects to the King at Paragon, signing his name in an autograph book placed beside a giant poster of the king.

He then gave an outdoor press conference, as screaming fans nearby performed the pop star's dance.

Determined not to be a one-hit wonder, Psy said he plans to release a worldwide album in March with dance moves that he thinks international fans will like.

"I think I have plenty of dance moves left," he said, in his trademark sunglasses and dark suit. "But I'm really concerned about the (next) music video."

"How can I beat 'Gangnam Style'?" he asked, smiling. "How can I beat 850 million views?"

gallop – (of a horse or other animal) to move very fast with each stride having a time when all four feet are off the ground together ควบ
take by storm – to be extremely successful very quickly in a particular place or among particular people สำเร็จอย่างรวดเร็ว
packed – crowded; full of people or things แน่น
autograph – a signature, especially of a famous person ลายเซ็นต์
press conference – an official meeting where someone makes a formal statement about a particular issue or event to journalists and answers their questions about it การแถลงข่าว
mission impossible – an important piece of work that seems like it can’t be done successfully, i.e., it’s impossible – also the name of famous TV series and a series of movies
celebrity – someone who is famous, especially in the entertainment business คนมีชื่อเสียง
surrounded – having something completely around all sides ถูกล้อมรอบ
scream – to cry or say something loudly and usually on a high note, especially because of strong emotions such as fear, excitement or anger กรีดร้อง
chuckle – to laugh quietly, especially in a private or secret way การหัวเราะเบาๆ
public – open to people in general; intended to be seen or heard by people in general อย่างเปิดเผยให้รู้
remark – something said คำพูด
viral – (of a video, photo, story, etc.) spread across the internet very quickly (like a virus spreading a disease) as people share it with their friends or the news media reports on it   แพร่กระจายผ่านทางอินเทอร์เน็ตอย่างรวดเร็ว
smash – (of a song, film/movie or play) extremely popular ได้รับความนิยมอย่างมาก
surpass – to do or be better than somebody/something เหนือกว่า, เก่งกว่า, ดีกว่า, เกินกว่า
media – newspapers, television, radio, etc. สื่อ
release – to make something available to the public  ออกวางตลาด, ออกวางจำหน่าย
spawn – to create ก่อตัวขึ้นเป็นจำนวนมาก
parody – a piece of writing, music, acting, etc. that deliberately copies the style of somebody/something in order to be amusing  การเขียนล้อเลียน
tribute – something that you do, say, or build to show that you respect and admire someone or something การแสดงความเคารพ ยกย่องต่อ
spotlight – the centre of public attention จุดสนใจของผู้คน, เป็นที่สนใจ
conclude – to decide that something is true after looking at all the facts you have ตัดสินใจ, สรุป
pay respect to – to show deep admiration for someone แสดงความเคารพ
determined – wanting to do something very much and not letting anyone or any difficulties stop you ตั้งใจจริง, ซึ่งมุ่งมั่น
one-hit wonder – a performer who has only one major success, especially a single song
trademark – something particularly noticeable that a person, group, etc.  typically has เครื่องหมายประจำตัว
concerned – worried about something   มีความกังวล