By Piper Bayard
Once in a while, amidst all the news of terror, tragedies, lies, and deceit, someone comes along who makes the world stop and have a moment of collective fun. This year, I thank Psy and Gangnam Style for that moment and for his video that got the whole planet smiling and dancing.
image by Eva Rinaldi, wikimedia commons
This is the original Psy video that rocketed him to worldwide meme with over one BILLION YouTube views, crossing the most unlikely cultural boundaries and earning him his place in pop culture’s collective memory.
Gangnam is the Beverly Hills-type district of South Korea. One source says that “Oppan Gangnam style” means basically that the brother is Gangnam style, or high class. Psy is known in South Korea for being something of a “badass” and a rebel. Anything but Gangnam style.
With something this silly and random, there had to be parodies. These are some of the best.
For the LOTR fans, we have Gandalf Style.
A bit of geek heaven in the form of Minecraft Style.
And for the Comic Con crowd, we have Deadpool vs. Gangnam Style. Great example of how many smiles this video has brought to the world.
Well, maybe not always smiles. These lifeguards lost their jobs when they filmed this parody. Apparently, the city wasn’t keen on them using the facilities after hours. Many of them were reinstated after a national outcry on their behalf.
No collection would be complete without the Gunman Style – Gangnam Style Asian Western Parody.
Even the Saudis got in on the fun.
And my personal favorite, NASA Johnson Style.
So many smiles for so many people from so many places and cultures. That’s where solutions start. So this year, I choose Psy as the 2012 Man of the Year. Thank you for making the world a better place.
Happy New Year, Everyone! May 2013 bring you lots of fun moments and smiles.
I have to confess: the first time I heard the song, I thought someone was singing about “Condom Style.” Like it was a PSA with pizazz.
I’m a dork.
Happy new year, Piper. Thanks for being a great cyber buddy.
LOL. I suppose it does sound like that without the visuals. Happy New Year! 🙂
Psy made us smile. Good choice. Happy New Year!
Thank you. Happy New Year! 🙂
Loved this collection, Piper!
I found my exercise routine for the new year. Dance those happy, fluffy, fudge-filled tummy fat cells away. Woot! I’ll have this mastered by
March, August. Year? TBD.Thanks for the fun reads in 2012 and to Holmes for my international affairs education. BEST to both of you.
Thanks so much for your support, Gloria. Happy New Year to you, too! 🙂
Piper, thanks for the laughs! I’m so out of touch and just learned what Gangnam Style is from my 9 year old son who dances to this music 🙂
It’s a good thing for our kids, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed it, Donna. Happy New Year! 🙂
Lots of laughs inspired by this guy – goes to show there’s hope for everyone?
If a guy (educated in the US) who goes public asking people to murder and torture Americans can turn around and be celebrated – even in the White House – guess people can change and learn new tricks.
There’s hope for the future! YEA!
Who among us wouldn’t hate to be held to the stupid acts of our youth? Glad you enjoyed it, Phil. Happy New Year! 🙂
so true – so there is real hope.
Perfect! Thanks for a great year – here’s to an even better one in 2013!
Thank you, Christine. Happy New Year! 🙂
I have to add in my own personal favorite, Lo Pan Style! If you were a fan of Big Trouble In Little China, Kurt Russell, or, like me, both, this is a fun walk down memory lane:
http://youtu.be/-xiAbDkXDgg
LOL. This is great, Serena! Thanks so much for posting it. Happy New Year! 🙂
Happy New Year to you too, Piper! Here’s wishing you and yours all the abundance and joy 2013 brings.
OMG, these are hilarious! I’m obviously missing out on the latest cultural advancements.
Glad you enjoyed it, Amy. Happy New Year! 🙂
I’m still scratching my head on this one. You just never know what’s going to catch on and this sure has. Thanks for the hilarious parodies and I hope all of those lifeguards got their jobs back!
Happy New Year!
I hope so, too. I know at least some of them did. Happy New Year, Patricia! 🙂
I was especially impressed with Psy when he kept singing with the confetti and shaving cream being thrown everywhere, LoL.
That was my first thought, too. I loved it that the one woman looked like she was just trying to duck and cover. I like the way it’s not only so random, but it’s not overproduced. Happy New Year, Ellie. 🙂
We have enjoyed this song and the parodies in my house too. I love that NASA one (I kept looking for people I know!). Good choice for Man of the Year.
Thanks, Julie. Happy New Year! 🙂
Wow Piper, you have been spending your holidays well! We need to give you some work 🙂
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
If by “work” you mean a few days off, I can definitely get behind that. Happy New Year! 🙂
Hilarious, can’t believe how much creativity this has spawned, fabulous!
The world had fun with it. 🙂
Late to the party, but there’s some good fun to be had here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP6B20xUZJY