SEOUL -- Rapper Psy, known for his global hit song "Gangnam Style", was not added to a South Korean troupe which will perform in Pyongyang this week, the South's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Tuesday, disclosing the outcome of in-Korean talks.
"At the beginning, we considered having Psy with us but he dropped out this time," spokesman Hwang Seong-woon told reporters. "I hope there will be a better chance in the future."
Psy became world famous after bringing up a worldwide syndrome in July 2102 with Gangnam Style and its horse-riding dance. However, North Korea may not like his free-wheeling and provocative style.
Hwang said two more artists, jazz pianist Kim Kwang-min and rock singer Kang San-ae, would join a 160-member art company. A total of 14 artists, including Kim and Kang, will take part in concerts in Pyongyang during its four-day visit to North Korea from Saturday.
Officials said the musicians will sing popular South Korean songs that are well known to North Koreans as well as North Korean numbers.