Gangnam Style Parodies

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We've all seen the video. You're probably one of the 221 million views on this madcap, air-horse riding adventure. With appearances of Korea's national MC, Yoo Jae Suk, currently leading the immensely popular Running Man series, together with Hyuna, who I have grown to like from her Troublemaker MV, the music video was set to be a global phenomenon from the very beginning. In fact, Hyuna subsequently came out with her own squeaky version of the video. I was the first 3000 or so viewer of the original music video, and I knew it was going to be big. But I didn't know it was going to be this big. PSY, a veteran to the Korean music industry, even found his way into the American market after being promptly signed by Justin Beiber's manager, all thanks to this mammoth of a viral sensation.

Widespread popularity has paved the way for tons of parodies, some awesome, most bad. I've selected a few that have caught my eye, not so much because of likeliness or production value, but that little some different it brings to the table. Here are some of the best Gangnam Style parodies:

Miko Style

When you have Miss Korea 2012 contestants doing anything, you can't go wrong. For obvious reason, this is my favorite version. If you think some scenes in the original was hot, you are in for a treat. Expect lots and lots of pretty faces.

Hongdae Gangnam Style

One of the first few Gangnam Style parodies, right from Hongdae, another part of Korea. The parody is so well made, that it has earned the lead his fair share of fans, and a cameo in the Miss Korea's version of the parody. (See Miko Style)

Gangnam Style Mother

What's more endearing than having a mother and son combo pop and tut their way into your heart. This parody, while simple, is such a delight to watch that even Ellen Degeneres picked up on them after having PSY himself teach Britney Spears how to do the moves on the show. And boy, that ajumma can move.

Studied Like Shit

This version from Taiwan gets my vote for original lyrics and effort in giving their own spin to the parody. It's easy to just to a slapstick ridiculous version of PSY's masterpiece, but this is just showing some real respect to the original with elaborate setups and quirky wardrobe. Big ups.

Pony Gangnam Style

With an air horse riding kinda dance, it's appropriately inappropriate to have a children cartoon version of the MV. That's right, ponies dancing like ponies.

Honorable Mentions

I've only picked 5 because of that something different they offer to the table. But I do give some credit to the two versions from our very own Singapore, with one with slightly more production. The one from our neighbors, Kuala Lumpur, Byuntae (pervert) Style as well as an Oppa Gandalf Style will also appeal to some.

It's a pity one of my favorites, the Gundam Style MV has been taken down after YG steps up copyright claims on parodies. I don't really understand the reason for them doing this, since it's really the parody that brings it to the level of acclaim it is today.

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