Psy-Jo Yong Pil-Roy Kim Cuts the Generation Gap

Recent hit songs have suggested a new model for success in today's industry.

Psy's "Gentleman" has brought male and female, young and old to their computer screens. Jo Yong Pil's "Bounce" succeeded in reaching out to both his fans from the 70s and 80s as well as the young people today. Roy Kim's "Spring, Spring, Spring" is a country song that seeks to unite listeners of all ages.

"Gentleman" was surprisingly popular among demographics outside of its target audience, which are the young in their 20s and 30s. According to collected data, about half of the total YouTube hits have come from mid-30s and older. The previous success of "Gangnam Style" has much to do with the unusual phenomenon, analysts say.

On the other hand, the young people were the unexpected 'dark horse' population in the success of Jo Yong Pil's "Bounce." The king of K-Pop from the 70s and 80s, Jo Yong Pil was able to transcend the generation gap and appeal to the current music trend with his masterpiece.

Roy Kim's new song, "Spring, Spring, Spring" has a heavy country feel, unlike the prediction that he will most likely play off of his modern image. Rather, he went with the more friendly, familiar and comfortable route. Certainly, it paid dividends as it topped all K-Pop charts upon its release.

"Strategic songs that are universally appealing and able to transcend generations are becoming the next hot thing," an associate summarized the recent trend in K-Pop.