K-Pop Hit "Gangnam Style" Explodes In US Popularity

K-Pop may finally have its first big US breakthrough, and it has come from a direction few would have predicted. South Korea's pop music industry, known simply as K-Pop, has been spreading like wildfire in recent years through other Asian markets. A significant number of US musicians and producers have begun working with Korean artists with an aim to eventually break the music on these shores. Now, it looks like the breakthrough has come, but its not through a sexy singer or an energetic girl group. Instead it is a catchy song called "Gangnam Style" by idiosyncratic rapper Psy.

The song "Gangnam Style" was first released in South Korea July 15, 2012. It was accompanied by a music video that features Psy performing a comical horseback riding style dance. The song was an immediate hit at home in South Korea and fans of the song began spreading news of "Gangnam Style" through social media. With attention from key music blogs and celebrities, the music video soon went viral. Today the "Gangnam Style" video has nearly 100 million views on YouTube. The growth in attention for Psy took him to the top of Billboard's Social 50 chart last week. In addition, the song has made its debut on the Hot Digital Songs sales chart at #74. It is also receiving pop radio airplay in Los Angeles. Will it be a Billboard Hot 100 chart hit? Stay tuned!

• Watch "Gangnam Style"

_{Single cover courtesy YG Entertainment}