Beyond “Gangnam Style”: Does PSY Still Make Music?

It is the question that has crossed the minds of millions who once learned the iconic horse-riding dance: What happened to PSY?

More than a decade after “Gangnam Style” took the world by storm in 2012—becoming the first-ever video to hit one billion views on YouTube—the man behind the global phenomenon is still very much active. Far from being a one-hit wonder who faded into the history books, PSY has transformed his career from international viral sensation into a powerhouse music executive, seasoned hitmaker, and legendary live performer.

From Viral Icon to Record Executive

While many Western fans lost track of PSY after his follow-up singles like “Gentleman” and “Daddy,” his career in South Korea never skipped a beat. In 2019, PSY took a major step by founding his own entertainment agency and record label, P NATION.

As the founder and CEO, PSY has spent recent years discovering, nurturing, and producing talent. P NATION has become home to a stellar roster of prominent South Korean artists, including singer-songwriters like Crush and Heize, rapper Swings, and K-pop groups like TNX. Rather than stepping away from the studio, PSY transitioned into a mentor role, pouring his decades of industry experience into shaping the next generation of Korean music.

The Studio Comeback: PSY 9th and “That That”

PSY proved he hadn’t lost his chart-topping touch when he made a major musical comeback with his full-length studio album, aptly titled Psy 9th.

The album’s lead single, “That That,” was co-produced by and featured Suga of BTS. The energetic track was an instant global success, proving that PSY knew exactly how to bridge generational gaps in K-pop. “That That” leaned into a catchy, Western-friendly western-spaghetti aesthetic mixed with high-octane dance beats, reminding the world of PSY’s unmatched knack for viral hooks.

The 12-track album also featured an all-star lineup of collaborations, including tracks with Hwasa, Jessi, Crush, Tablo, and Sung Si-kyung. Far from coasting on nostalgia, Psy 9th showcased an artist deeply engaged with contemporary Korean pop music trends while maintaining his signature theatricality.

The King of the Summer Festival

If you want to understand where PSY’s primary musical energy goes today, look no further than the stage. PSY is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s greatest live performers, most notably through his legendary annual summer concert series known as “Summer Swag” (Heumbbukshow).

Known for drenching thousands of ecstatic fans with massive water cannons while performing high-energy medleys for hours, Summer Swag tickets sell out in minutes. He continues to headline major university festivals and massive domestic concerts, consistently drawing tens of thousands of screaming fans. For PSY, music isn’t just about recording tracks in a studio; it is a full-contact, sweat-soaked live experience.

The Indelible Legacy

Does PSY still make music? Yes—and on his own terms.

He no longer feels the pressure to chase global Western crossover charts the way he did in the wake of “Gangnam Style.” Instead, he balances running a thriving entertainment company, writing and producing hits, and delivering the explosive live performances that made him a star in the first place.