The term "Gangnam Style" is a reference to the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea, which is known for its wealth and luxury. The song and music video are both considered to be satirical, poking fun at the materialism and excessive consumerism that is often associated with Gangnam.
The success of Gangnam Style helped to introduce K-pop to a wider global audience and has since inspired numerous parodies and covers. The song and its distinctive dance have become cultural phenomena, often used in popular culture and marketing campaigns.