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Psy

Psy is the stage name of Park Jae-sang, a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer born in 1977.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Psy is the stage name of Park Jae-sang, a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He became internationally famous in 2012 with the single "Gangnam Style," which became a global viral hit and a major pop-culture phenomenon. In Canada, the song became a widely recognized cultural reference as well.

Early life and stage name

Psy was born Park Jae-sang in South Korea in 1977. He adopted the stage name Psy, also stylized as PSY, for his entertainment career.

Career

He released his debut studio album, Psy from the Psycho World!, in 2001. Over time he built a reputation in South Korea before achieving worldwide recognition in 2012.

"Gangnam Style"

Psy’s 2012 single "Gangnam Style" brought him international prominence. The song entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and became one of the most recognizable viral music videos ever.

Business ventures

Psy is the founder of P Nation, a South Korean talent agency. This expanded his role from performer to music executive.

Key facts

  • Psy is best known for the 2012 single "Gangnam Style," which became a worldwide viral hit.
  • He is credited as a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
  • His music video for "Gangnam Style" was the first on YouTube to reach 1 billion views.
  • Psy founded the talent agency P Nation.
  • He has received major music awards, including American Music Awards and World Music Awards.
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Canadian context

Psy is relevant to Canadian readers as an internationally known K-pop figure whose 2012 hit "Gangnam Style" became a major global cultural reference, including in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Psy?
Psy is the stage name of Park Jae-sang, a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
What is Psy best known for?
He is best known for the 2012 hit single "Gangnam Style" and its viral music video.
What is Psy's real name?
His real name is Park Jae-sang.
When was Psy born?
He was born on December 31, 1977.
What company did Psy found?
He founded the South Korean talent agency P Nation.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psy
    Supports: Identifies Psy as Park Jae-sang; gives birth date, nationality, occupations, debut album, awards, P Nation, and "Gangnam Style" details.
  2. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psy
    Supports: Confirms Psy is Park Jae-sang and highlights "Gangnam Style" as his breakout international hit.
  3. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psy_(disambiguation)
    Supports: Disambiguates Psy as the South Korean singer best known for "Gangnam Style".