Max Fisher states that there is more to the hilarious scenes and catchy rhythm to the sensational new Korean music video, "Gangnam Style"; Park Jaesang (Psy) attempt to demonstrate the true reality of the admired lifestyles of those inhabiting the wealthy towns such as in Gangnam, Seoul. Fisher illustrates Psy's huge success with the sixth album with the opening track called Gangnam Style, even though Psy was rather unpopular in the previous years due to his unpleasant reputation as a K-pop star. His success reached America, having the music video "Gangnam Style" acknowledged as one of the must-see videos by people such as the rapper T-pain, Justin Bieber's manager and the Wall Street Journal editor. Fisher refers to two Korean observers who helped him to recognize the "subversive message about class and wealth in contemporary South Korean society," in stating that the music video has more to it than its cheerfulness. Fisher also quotes Adrian Hong, a Korean-American consultant who implies that Gangnam is the symbol of the aspect of Korean culture in which the people rely heavily on credit and are encouraged toward aspirationalism and nationalism to improve the economy. "Gangnam Style" music constantly displays images of the seemingly luxurious hollow lifestyles. Psy's sensational music video is "a satire about Gangnam itself but also about how people outside Gangnam pursue their dream to be one of those Gangnam residents without realizing" that it could just mean to "crimp on essentials to over-spend on conspicuous luxuries." The behind-the-scenes-video of the making of "Gangnam Style" displayed the intentions of Psy to reveal the hollowness of the materialism and pathetic luxuries desired by many people.
Fisher dissects this music video to demonstrate that America can relate to the subversive message being sent by Psy. He relates the message that "pursuit of form over function" can be worthless, with the societies other than of South Korea, Gangnam. He implies that people need to find something else to move forward than the hollow luxuries, such as in "the ostentatiously rich that just might resonate in today's America."
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