From The Straits Times    |

He may have had a 12-year music career in Korea and a nomination for Time magazine’s Person of the year 2012, but Korean superstar Psy impressed fans and the media today with his humble words and earnest demeanour.

Having shot to fame in the past six months thanks to the now-iconic “Gangnam Style”, Psy was in Singapore for the first time to perform at a free showcase organised by Marina Bay Sands. 4,000 tickets were given out to those who visited the MBS Facebook page and registered their interest to attend the gig.

Dressed in his trademark wacky tuxedo and shades combo, Mr Gangnam Style himself took questions from the media in a press conference held before the show, and responded in a calm and mellow manner, quite different from the galloping man in the music video that has since chalked up more than 861 million views on YouTube.

When asked if he “felt like a circus act” having to perform Gangnam Style internationally and practically on a daily basis, Psy replied in English that while he does tire of having to do and teach the dance over and over again at times, it is this very dance that has brought him to Singapore and earned him international fame, so he will continue to do it, as it is his job and he still really likes the dance.

“I’m really proud to gain so much fame across the world with my type of body. Just this week I’ve travelled to eight countries, but I never seem to lose the weight. I don’t think it’s going to happen.” he quipped in response to a question on whether he would consider working on a six-pack to compete with other K-pop entertainers.

Losing weight isn’t the only thing Psy doesn’t think is going to happen. He also let on in his self-deprecating way that while it is an honour to be nominated for Time magazine’s Person of the Year alongside personalities like US president Barack Obama, China Communist Party chief Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, he doesn’t believe he’ll win the award.

It is his genuinity (and surprisingly nimble moves) that have people across the world crazy for this 34-year old rapper.

Psy performs at Marina Bay SandsAt the showcase, dancers from O School – Marina Bay Sands’ designated charity, which is a performing arts centre for youths – warmed the crowd up by teaching them the steps to Gangnam Style, and even hosts Jean Danker and Dominic Lau joined in before introducing Psy to the audience.

Re-appearing in a sequinned bomber jacket with an electric blue lining, Psy bantered with the crowd before belting out three of his songs — Champion, Right Now and of course, Gangnam Style. In between songs, Psy told the audience more about O School.

“I was a bad student myself when I was in school. I can’t remember how many times I got suspended. But it’s great that Singapore has institutions like O School that cater to students who excel in other areas of life besides academic studies, such as music.”, he said to loud cheers from the audience.

And the cheers continued throughout the 45-minute performance, peaking whenever Psy busted a move or engaged the crowd by getting them to jump along with him.

“I’ll be releasing my new album next year and I hope to see you again then!” he said as he wrapped up the show. We’re definitely looking forward to having this delightfully talented man over again, and hopefully for longer than just three songs the next time