PSY is preparing to appear in a new CNN documentary series that explores the worldwide rise of Korean culture, and in the program he openly discusses the enormous pressure that followed the unprecedented success of “Gangnam Style.” The globally famous artist reflects on how the song changed his career forever while also creating a difficult emotional and creative burden that lasted for years.

CNN International is scheduled to premiere the four-part documentary series K-Everything on May 9. Hosted by Daniel Dae Kim, the series takes a deep look into how Korean culture grew from a regional phenomenon into one of the most influential entertainment forces in the world. Through topics such as music, television dramas, food, beauty trends, and fandom culture, the documentary examines the global impact South Korea has achieved over the last two decades.

One of the most highly anticipated parts of the series focuses on K-pop and the artists who helped introduce the genre to international audiences. Among them is PSY, whose 2012 mega-hit Gangnam Style became a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the music industry had seen before. In the documentary, PSY speaks honestly about the overwhelming success of the song and the emotional challenges that came afterward.

A preview clip released ahead of the premiere includes footage from PSY’s well-known summer concert series Summer Swag, which has become famous in South Korea for its energetic atmosphere and large-scale performances. The clip then transitions into a personal interview segment where Daniel Dae Kim asks the singer how long he was truly able to enjoy the global success of Gangnam Style.

PSY gives a surprisingly emotional response. He explains that while the song’s success remains meaningful to him as a performer, the experience also carried a darker side as a musician and creator. According to him, the achievement felt both like a dream and a nightmare at the same time. He admits that after reaching such an unbelievable level of popularity, he constantly struggled with the question of how he could ever create another song capable of surpassing it.

The artist’s comments reveal the hidden pressure that often follows massive fame. Although millions of fans around the world celebrated him as a global superstar, PSY privately faced the challenge of living up to expectations that seemed almost impossible to meet. The success of Gangnam Style was so extraordinary that it changed the global music landscape, but it also created intense creative anxiety for the man behind the song.

When Gangnam Style was released in 2012, few people could have predicted the cultural explosion it would trigger. The song’s catchy beat, humorous choreography, and unforgettable horse-riding dance quickly spread across social media and online platforms around the world. Within months, PSY transformed from a successful Korean entertainer into an international celebrity recognized almost everywhere.

The music video achieved another historic milestone when it became the first video in YouTube history to surpass one billion views. At the time, this achievement was considered nearly unimaginable and demonstrated the growing power of online audiences and viral content. The success of the video also played a major role in introducing K-pop to international listeners who had never previously explored Korean music.

Many industry experts believe that Gangnam Style helped open the doors for the next generation of Korean artists who later achieved worldwide fame. Groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK entered a global music environment that had already become more receptive to Korean entertainment partly because of PSY’s groundbreaking success. In many ways, the song served as a turning point that accelerated the worldwide expansion of Korean pop culture.

The documentary series also explores how K-pop evolved into a massive global industry supported by passionate fandom communities and the influence of social media platforms. Fans today do much more than simply listen to music. They organize online campaigns, support artists through streaming projects, attend international concerts, and help spread Korean culture across different countries and languages.

Beyond music, K-Everything highlights how Korean television dramas, beauty products, fashion trends, and food have gained worldwide popularity. The series presents South Korea as a cultural powerhouse whose influence now extends far beyond entertainment and into everyday lifestyle trends around the world.

For viewers interested in the history of K-pop and the emotional realities behind worldwide fame, PSY’s interview is expected to become one of the documentary’s most memorable moments. His honesty about the emotional burden of success offers a rare perspective on what happens after an artist reaches a level of popularity that few people in history have ever experienced.

K-Everything will premiere on CNN International on May 9 at 9 PM. After its television release, the documentary will also become available on CNN’s digital platforms and mobile application. Audiences in South Korea will additionally be able to stream the series through Coupang Play.