‘Gangnam Style’ gets UN stamp of approval

South Korean rapper Psy, center, performs “Gangnam Style” during his concert in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, October 2, 2012. AP/Ahn Young-joon

PARIS—”Gangnam Style” has secured an unlikely accolade after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hailed South Korean rapper Psy’s global hit as a force for world peace.

Ban has found himself displaced as the best-known Korean on the planet by the astonishing success of the chubby rapper’s catchy video — and the veteran diplomat could not be more delighted.

“I have seen it several times,” the 68-year-old revealed in an interview with AFP on Tuesday, voicing his pride at the way Psy had brought Korean pop and the nation’s quirky sense of humor to a global audience via the Internet, where the video has been viewed more than 400 million times.

“I’m very proud that his performance has been loved and enjoyed by more than 400 million people,” Ban said. “It is amazing.”

The UN chief added: “There are no languages required in the musical world. That is the power of music, that is the power of the heart.

“Through this promotion of arts we can better understand the culture and civilisations of other people.

“In this era of instability and intolerance we need to promote better understanding through the power of music.”