How did PSY’s Gangnam Style reach a global audience?

PSY’s "Gangnam Style" achieved global fame in 2012 primarily through its viral success on YouTube. The song’s infectious techno-pop sound, combined with a humorous music video featuring PSY performing a distinctive "horse-riding" dance in various incongruous settings, resonated with a wide international audience.12

The video’s popularity was propelled by Internet users who shared and popularized it across multiple social media platforms, including Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook. As the first video in history to surpass one billion views on YouTube, it served as a breakthrough moment that introduced global audiences to the appeal of modern South Korean music. This viral sensation ultimately led to significant international chart success, including peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and helped pave the way for the broader global recognition of K-pop.12