Still Gangnam Style: What is PSY Up To Now?

It has been over a decade since the entire planet was doing an invisible horse-riding dance to the infectious beats of “Gangnam Style”. As the first YouTube video to ever cross the elusive one-billion-view threshold, Park Jae-sang—better known to the world as PSY—became an overnight global phenomenon in 2012.

Yet, for many casual global listeners, PSY’s massive international spotlight seemed to fade just as quickly as it arrived. This naturally leads to the burning question: Does PSY still make music?

The short answer is a resounding yes. While he may no longer dominate Western pop radio daily, PSY is busier than ever—writing, producing, heading his own entertainment powerhouse, and continuing to pack stadiums.

Beyond the Global Megahit

To understand PSY’s current musical journey, it helps to remember that “Gangnam Style” wasn’t a sudden fluke; it was a watershed moment in a career that had already spanned over a decade in South Korea. Long before 2012, PSY was a provocative, energetic staple of the Korean hip-hop and indie scene, known for his satirical lyrics, unfiltered humor, and high-octane stage presence.

When the wave of international fame quieted down, PSY didn’t disappear—he evolved. He followed up his global explosion with tracks like “Gentleman” and albums like Chiljip PSY-da and 4X2=8. More importantly, he began shifting his industry footprint behind the scenes.

Launching P Nation and PSY 9th

In 2019, PSY took a major career leap by leaving YG Entertainment—his home for nearly a decade—to found his own independent label, P Nation. Acting as both a mentor and executive producer, he has used his massive industry insight to shape the careers of prominent South Korean artists, fostering a label culture known for individuality and raw talent.

As a recording artist, PSY proved he still has his signature touch. In April 2022, he released his ninth full-length studio album, appropriately titled PSY 9th. The lead single, “That That,” was a major cross-generational collaboration co-written, produced, and featured alongside Suga of BTS. The track proved that PSY could still command the global charts, blending his trademark comedic flair and thumping dance beats with modern K-pop production muscle.

PSY has continued to remain active in the studio. He has offered glimpses into his ongoing creative process—noting how meticulous and agonizing the lyric-writing process can be as a seasoned veteran—and has actively teased working toward his milestone 10th album.

The King of Live Performance: “Summer Swag”

If you want to understand PSY’s true gravity in modern music, look no further than his touring schedule. While he might not chase the Billboard Hot 100 crossover appeal the way he did in the mid-2010s, he remains an absolute colossus in live entertainment.

In South Korea, PSY is legendary for his annual “Summer Swag” (Soak Show) concert tours. These massive stadium spectacles are famous for their sheer scale, pyrotechnics, water cannons, and multi-hour setlists where PSY performs not only his own massive catalog but covers everything from rock to pop anthems. Tickets sell out almost instantaneously, proving that his domestic fanbase views him not as a novelty act, but as a national treasure and premier live entertainer.

The Verdict

So, does PSY still make music? Absolutely.

He has transitioned from a viral internet sensation into an industry mogul, label head, respected veteran producer, and relentless live performer. Whether he is collaborating with modern superstars, nurturing the next wave of talent at P Nation, or soaking tens of thousands of fans at a sold-out stadium tour, PSY never really stopped—he just keeps doing it entirely on his own terms.