Beyond Gangnam Style: What is PSY Up To Now?

Back in 2012, it was virtually impossible to escape the infectious beat, satirical horse-riding dance, and neon-drenched absurdity of “Gangnam Style”. Park Jae-sang—better known to the world as PSY—created a seismic cultural event, smashing YouTube records and turning K-pop into a true global phenomenon long before BTS or Blackpink filled Western stadiums.

But more than a decade later, a common question echoes across the internet: Does PSY still make music?

The short answer is a resounding yes. However, PSY’s relationship with the music industry has evolved dramatically. He is no longer just chasing global viral charts; instead, he has transitioned into a music mogul, a hitmaker on home turf, and an architect of a new generation of talent.

The Mogul Era: Founding P NATION

After years under South Korea’s powerhouse agency YG Entertainment, PSY decided to shake things up. In 2019, he founded his own entertainment agency and record label, appropriately named P NATION.

Operating under the motto “Republic of Passion”, P NATION became a sanctuary for artists who wanted creative freedom, energetic stage presence, and distinct personalities. PSY didn’t just step behind a desk; he became an active mentor and executive producer, signing heavy-hitters and rising stars like Jessi, HyunA, Crush, Heize, and the boy band TNX. Running a major label naturally shifted some of his day-to-day focus, but it also gave him absolute control over his own artistic output.

Recent Releases and Global Collaborations

PSY hasn’t hung up his microphone. He regularly releases music catered to his core fanbase while occasionally dropping massive global crossover events.

A prime example is his full-length studio album, Psy 9th, released in April 2022. The album proved that PSY hadn’t lost his signature comedic flair, high-energy production, or knack for massive collaborations. Its lead single, “That That,” was co-written, produced, and featured Suga of BTS. The track was an instant smash, blending PSY’s theatrical performance style with Suga’s slick production, proving that the original viral king could still command tens of millions of views and top international charts.

The King of the Concert Stage: “Summer Swag”

If you want to understand where PSY pours most of his musical energy today, look no further than his legendary live shows. In South Korea, PSY is widely revered as one of the greatest live performers in history.

His annual summer concert series, “PSY Summer Swag” (Heuksshow), is a monumental cultural staple. Famous for multi-hour marathon sets, thousands of gallons of water sprayed into ecstatic crowds, and a dress code strictly set to blue, these concerts sell out instantly. For PSY, music is primarily a live, communal, sweat-soaked experience rather than just a digital streaming race.

A Lasting Legacy

PSY occupies a unique, untouchable space in modern pop culture. He paved the way for the barrier-breaking success of modern K-pop, proving that language barriers could be shattered by pure charisma, humor, and rhythm.

While he may never feel the hyper-pressurized, inescapable gravity of the 2012 “Gangnam Style” craze again—nor does he likely want to—PSY is still very much active. Whether he’s producing hits for his label, dropping unexpected collaborations with global superstars, or soaking tens of thousands of fans at a stadium tour, PSY continues to make music entirely on his own terms.