Park Jae Sang is better known to the world as Psy – the man behind the 2012 viral hit, “Gangnam Style.” Although the Gangnam Style sensational seemed to have happened overnight, Psy’s road to fame was anything but.
Psy had always loved music, but being born in to a family of entrepreneurs in South Korea meant that his future was almost completely out of his hands. He was sent to the US to study business to prepare for a role in his family’s company, but Psy had other plans.
After spending all of his money intended for business studies on musical instruments, Psy enrolled at Berklee College to study music. Just as things were looking up, news of his father’s passing sent him back to South Korea.
Yet, during his lowest moments he would often find escape by writing music. Unfortunately, his cheeky lyrics and off-beat sense of humor did not sit well with certain conservative groups which resulted in the banning of some of his work. But Psy would not give up.
Fast forward six studio albums later, Psy was still a minor player in the booming K-Pop scene, but that would all soon change. Word has it that T-Pain, a rapper, shared Psy’s video via Twitter and what followed surpassed everyone’s expectations.
More and more people including Justin Bieber began sharing his single resulting in the viral smash-hit that would soon become the first YouTube video to exceed 2 billion views. Despite all the hurdles and challenges, Psy had made it.
Comparing with other stories, Psy’s persistence were not so incredible, I think. But under the situation that his future was almost completely out of his hand, he had continued his thought of music. He had never give up even though his 6 albums’ result were not good.
Is it difficult to disobey the wishes of one’s family or superiors? Why?
家族や上司の意向に逆らうのは難しいですか？ どうして？
難しいと思いますね。
それは、彼らの方が人生経験が豊富で、適正な判断ができると一般的に思われるからだと思います。
でも、実際には、自分の適性ややりたいことは自分が最も知っていると思います。
そのようなことに関しては、自分の判断の方が正しいのかもしれません。
I think it is very difficult thing to disobey the wishes of one’s family or superiors. The reason is that it is considered that they have a lot of experience of life and they can appropriate decision about such a things. But actually you well know about your talent and what you want to do, so your decision may be right regarding such a things.
How important are the views and opinions of the general public and critics?
一般市民や批評家の見解や意見はどれほど重要ですか？
責任の伴わない見解や批評はそれほど重要だとは思いません。
何らかの責任を持った意見や批判は聞く価値があると思います。
回答はそのようにしようと思います。
I think the views and opinions of the general public and critics which have no responsibilities are not important. The views and critics which have responsibilities have worth to listen, I think.
Do you consider Psy a legitimate artist or just plain lucky?
Psyを正当なアーティストだと思いますか、それとも単なる幸運だと思いますか？
正当なアーチストだと思います。
カンナムスタイルの再生回数は、現在はもう40億回を超えています。
歌詞の内容はよくわかりませんが、リズムや音楽はとてもキャッチーでセンスがあると思います。
I think Psy is a legitimate artist. “Gangnam Style” YouTube video views now exceeded over 4 billion. I can’t understand the lyrics of “Gangnam Style”, but the rhythm and music are very catchiness and have a sense, I think.
Would you be willing to give up your current career to pursue a life-long dream?
あなたは生涯の夢を追求するためにあなたの現在のキャリアをあきらめても構わないと思いますか？
僕は今のキャリアにそんなに執着はないですが、キャリアをあきらめるほどの夢はないですね。
毎日幸せに暮らせればいいです。
そして、たまに外国に旅行ができればいいかな？と。
そんなところですね。
I don’t care about my career so much. But also I don’t have a dream which I have to quit my job for pursuing it. My dream is to live in happy everyday. And sometimes it may good for me that I can go to abroad. That’s all.
Hi there, Ko! Today we learned the story of Psy, who battled criticism throughout his career, and against all odds managed to make a name for himself in the tough world of entertainment. Thank you for reflecting on how going against the fate may sometimes work well and help one succeed. Have a great day!
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