Shocking truth behind Korean star PSY revealed: 'People thought I was a gangster who decided to become a singer'
But here's the shocking reality - this was Park Jae-sang, better known as PSY, and he came from one of Korea's most influential business families!
Turns out, our man PSY wasn't from some rough neighbourhood. He was actually a proper rich kid from Seoul's posh district, Banpo-dong. His father? The CEO of a major semiconductor company worth around Rs 3,200 crores, and his mother ran an upscale restaurant in Gangnam. The gangster rumours were so widespread that PSY had to publicly address them, saying, "People thought I was some gangster who got too excited and decided to become a singer.
"
From Silver Spoon to Global Superstar
But here's what makes PSY's story is fascinating for as this wasn't just another rich kid coasting on family money. This rebel actually dropped out of Boston University where he was studying business, because music was his true calling.
Against his parents' wishes, he enrolled at Berkeley College of Music, then returned to Korea to revolutionise the music scene with hits like "Bird" and "Champion."
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The interesting part? PSY actually benefited from those wealthy family rumors. When asked about being called a "business tycoon's son," he cleverly responded, "I'm not from a business empire, but thanks for making me one! I don't correct rumors that work in my favour.
"
Then 2012 happened, and "Gangnam Style" exploded globally. This wasn't just a hit - it was a cultural phenomenon that reached #2 on Billboard and made the whole world dance to a Korean tune.
Suddenly, those old gangster rumours seemed absolutely ridiculous.
The Hidden Price
Now here's where the story gets serious, especially for us who understand the pressure of constant performance. Behind all that energy and those incredible shows, PSY was literally destroying his body. His signature summer concerts, called "Soaking Show" (Heumppeok Show), were basically endurance marathons disguised as entertainment.
PSY himself admitted, "I've almost collapsed on stage because I couldn't breathe, and it's happened multiple times."
The man was giving everything, sometimes to the point of vomiting or being carried off stage after shows. They explained that such intense physical performances can cause irregular heartbeat, blood pressure issues, and chronic inflammation. Add the water-soaked environment messing with body temperature, plus lack of sleep and poor eating habits, and you get serious health problems, including fatty liver, gastritis, and fainting spells.
Learning to Survive Success
The wake-up call was real. PSY, who had gained weight to over 90kg and was dealing with joint pain and stomach problems, realized he needed to change his approach completely. The guy who seemed invincible was human after all - something every hardworking Indian can understand.
These days, PSY's still performing, but he's doing it intelligently. He's committed to walking over 10,000 steps daily (like our fitness-conscious uncles!), switched from sugary drinks to electrolyte solutions before and after concerts, and completely changed his diet from high-carb junk to vegetables and lean protein. His new rule? Nothing but water after 10 PM. Fans have noticed he looks much slimmer and healthier.
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