December 23, 2024 06:56 AM

Psy Named South Korea's Tourist Ambassador [VIDEO]

South Korean singing sensation, Psy has been named South Korea's tourism ambassador. The singer's new song "Gentleman" has already had more than 244 million views on YouTube since its debut two weeks prior.

The Korea Tourism Organization noted that the commercials will air in 70 countries beginning next month and the singer helps showcase food to eat, shopping and places to visit such as Dongdaemun downtown Myeongdong.

CNN reported that American saxophonist, Kenny G was the former honorary ambassador since October 2012.

"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 to CNN."Through him, we're trying to introduce the more modern and fun Korean cultural concepts such as bul-gum."

"Bul-gum" is loosely translated to "Fiery Fridays" and is often associated with drinking lots of soju on Friday nights.

"Psy accepted minimal payment for the gig. Officially representing South Korea was meaningful work, he said," reported CNN.

Asiana Airlines also announced earlier this month that Psy wouldb e their honorary brand ambassador for a year which means he gets free tickets to the highest-class seats on the airline for the year.

"Gangnam Style," Psy's famous song, propelled him to international fame.

The video which came out in mid July, has put Psy and his quirky dance moves on the map as an international celebrity.

The video has left many fans wondering, where is Gangnam? The area is in fact, a wealthy area of Seoul, Korea and tourism officials in Seoul are capitalizing in on the unexpected popularity of the song.

In Korean, Gangnam means "south of the river," and refers to it's location in Seoul near the Han River. The area is an expensive, highly coveted area to live in known for high-end dining and luxurious designer shopping.

Luis Maravi, marketing manager at the Korea Tourism Organization in New York said to NBC, "People want to know: What is there to see? What is there to do? The video has been incredibly popular. It's just great - opening doors to people who otherwise may not know or be even interested about learning about this area."

Psy's new song "Gentleman":

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