South Korean rap star Psy's "Gangnam Style" on Saturday became YouTube's most-watched video of all time, and the second most-views are from Thailand.
South Korean singer Psy (right) laughs as he practises some "Gangnam Style" dance steps with United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon during a photo opportunity at the UN headquarters in New York Oct 23, 2012. (Reuters photo)
The music video on Monday morning registered more than 822 million views worldwide in total to overtake "Baby" by 18-year-old Canadian heartthrob Justin Bieber, who recently won artist of the year at the 40th American Music Awards.
According to South Korea's Choson Ilbo news agency, "Gangnam Style", uploaded on July 15, 2012 by officialpsy, had more than 40 million views in Thailand, second only to the United States.
The South Korean report said Psy will perform in Thailand this Wednesday, Nov 28, to express his gratitude to his Thai fans for helping his single to reach No 1 on YouTube.
RS Fresh Air, the event-organising unit of the entertainment company RS Plc, said Psy will appear in the ”Gangnam Thailand Extra Live Concert”, which will be his first live concert in Asia, at the 30,000-seat SCG Stadium in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province.
RS CEO Vinij Lertratanachai said one of the reasons Psy and his team responded positively to the invitation was because they wanted to join Thais in celebrating and sending good wishes to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 85th Birthday on Dec 5.
There is no admission charge because the concert is supported by eight sponsors including Air Asia, Yamaha, Coca-Cola and True Corporation, Mr Vinij added.
The international pop sensation is expected to perform four or five songs before flying out to Hong Kong to attend the 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards on Friday.
Psy has rocketed to fame since "Gangnam Style" -- in which he performs his now famous horse-riding dance -- became a worldwide hit following its release in July.