Audio By Carbonatix
Psy's new song, "Gentleman," has confirmed he's more than a one-hit wonder -- the music video already has 244 million views on YouTube since debuting two weeks ago.
So it makes sense that South Korea is using the gyrating dance-pop sensation for publicity abroad.
Psy has been tapped as South Korea's tourism ambassador and has just finished taping a series of TV commercials to show off the country, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).
He's certainly a better fit than the former spokesman -- Kenny G, the curly-haired American saxophonist, has held the honorary ambassadorship since October 2012.
Duties
According to the KTO, Psy will hold the honorary position for approximately a year. He held the same post for Seoul's Gangnam district last year.
In the new commercials, which will air in 70 countries beginning next month, the comedic singer helps showcase things to eat and do and places to visit in South Korea, such as the late-night shopping district of Dongdaemun and "Cosmetic Road" in downtown Myeongdong, known for its rows of flashy makeup shops.
Social marketing
"We have been looking for ways to tap into new media like social marketing and YouTube, and since Psy has become a world star that way it made sense," said Kang Jong-soon of KTO's brand marketing team.
"Through him, we're trying to introduce the more modern and fun Korean cultural concepts such as bul-gum," said Kang.
Loosely translated to "Fiery Fridays," bul-gum is the Korean equivalent of the West's "TGIF" sentiment and is the oft-cited excuse to drink large volumes of soju on Friday nights.
Psy accepted minimal payment for the gig. Officially representing South Korea was meaningful work, he said.
He'll be traveling in style too: earlier this month, Asiana Airlines announced that Psy would be its honorary brand ambassador for a year.
He gets free tickets to the highest-class seats on any Asiana flight for the year.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Changes to anti-LGBTQ+ bill could undermine enforcement – Ntim Fordjour
40 seconds -
Accra Floods: GNFS rescues 21 residents in Doblo Gonno
7 minutes -
Davida Roofing Systems CEO named among 100 Legendary African Dignitaries for 2026
18 minutes -
Speaker Bagbin breaks ground on Wa Palace project, tells “detractors” Wa won’t be zongo
29 minutes -
On Ghana’s Oti River, a weather forecast can mean survival
46 minutes -
Ntim Fordjour urges NDC to back revised anti-LGBTQ+ bill, demands consistency on assent
46 minutes -
Ghana prepared to prevent Ebola outbreak despite no recorded case – Deputy Health Minister
47 minutes -
GMA supports KATH doctors strike over CEO suspension – demands reinstatement within 3 days
53 minutes -
It’s not govt’s business to use ID cards to control people’s consumption of porn – Kofi Bentil
3 hours -
NDC dismisses reports of cabinet reshuffle, urges public to verify information
4 hours -
Ghana’s floods are governance failures, not natural disasters – Senyo Hosi
4 hours -
Accra Ridge Church defies heavy rains, embarks on health walk to mark 90 years of service
5 hours -
Evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa funded from contingency budget – Ablakwa
6 hours -
Ecobank pays first dividend since 2022 as shareholders approve $40m payout
7 hours -
Jandel launches 30 years anniversary with message of faith, resilience and giving back
7 hours