South Korean rapper PSY displays a Chinese knot yesterday during a press conference in Shanghai to the delight of local TV hostess Chen Chen. Today, PSY is taking part in a recording of Dragon TV's Spring Festival variety show, which will be broadcast on February 10, the Chinese New Year. PSY is expected to make a spectacular helicopter entrance at the Shanghai Qizhong Tennis Center to perform "Gangnam Style," the global pop sensation he made last year, and dance with robots, according to the gala director. (Photo/Shanghai Daily)

On his first trip to Shanghai, South Korean rapper PSY said yesterday he was thrilled at the warm welcome he received from groups of fans Wednesday night at Pudong International Airport and at the Four Seasons Hotel Pudong.

He greeted them by saying "happy new year'' in Chinese.

"I have been in the entertainment industry for 12 years," said the 36-year-old. "People used to love handsome guys. I guess now they may have changed their taste," he quipped.

The star, whose novelty song "Gangnam Style" became a global pop sensation last year, will take part today in the recording of Dragon TV's Spring Festival gala.

PSY is expected to make a spectacular helicopter entrance at the Shanghai Qizhong Tennis Center to perform "Gangnam Style," dancing with robots. He also will sing "Champion," another of his hits, according to Hou Jie, director of the gala.

During the gala, PSY will perform with Taiwanese model and actress Lin Chi-ling and mainland comedy star Huang Bo, teaching them his famous horse-riding dance. The gala will air on television at 7:30pm on February 10.

Tonight he will attend a sold-out new year's party at Bund 18 before heading to Nanjing for more events.

PSY also said yesterday that the overwhelming success of "Gangnam Style," which became the top video on YouTube with more than 1 billion views, has created pressure to come up with something new that's just as good.

"It cost 15 members of our team around a month to design the horse-riding dance," he said.

"We didn't expect it to be such a hit. The popularity of the video also brings us more pressure as we have to present a more creative and energetic dance move in my new album which is slated to be released in April."

Shanghai Daily