That That (prod.&feat. SUGA of BTS)

"That That" is a multi-layered celebratory anthem that operates on several levels. On its surface, it's an energetic and joyful track about emerging from the global pandemic. The lyrics explicitly mention the pandemic being over and the excitement of returning to crowded streets and shared experiences, making it a song of collective release and optimism.

On a more personal level for PSY, the song marks his comeback to the music scene after a five-year hiatus. It's a declaration that he's back and remains true to his signature style of fun, high-energy music. The music video subtly and humorously references his past, particularly the global phenomenon of "Gangnam Style," suggesting a metaphorical death of that persona to make way for the new while still acknowledging its impact. This signifies a desire to move forward in his career without being solely defined by his biggest hit.

SUGA's involvement adds another layer of meaning. His verse is a powerful statement of artistic resilience and defiance against critics and haters. He asserts his unwavering identity and brushes off negativity, a theme common in his solo work. The collaboration itself bridges two generations of K-Pop, with SUGA acknowledging how PSY paved the way for K-Pop's global expansion, allowing artists like BTS to follow. The song, therefore, becomes a symbol of mutual respect and camaraderie between a veteran artist and a current global superstar. Ultimately, "That That" is about embracing joy, personal freedom, and self-confidence, encouraging listeners to disregard others' opinions and simply enjoy what they like.

The song opens with PSY heralding his return in 2022 after a significant hiatus, immediately setting a celebratory tone. He expresses a deep longing for the return to normalcy after the pandemic, missing the vibrant energy of crowded streets and the simple joys of human interaction—laughing, crying, living, and loving. It's a call to let loose and embrace the feeling of freedom. The lyrics convey a powerful sense of excitement about reconnecting with people and the energetic atmosphere that was lost. The refrain emphasizes this craving for the hustle and bustle, uniting everyone from all corners, hands in the air, in a collective moment of release.

The pre-chorus builds anticipation, repeatedly asking, "Can you feel it?" creating a direct connection with the listener and preparing them for the energetic explosion of the chorus. The chorus itself is a pure, unadulterated burst of joy. The repetitive and catchy phrase "That, that, I like that" becomes an anthem of personal satisfaction and enjoyment. It’s an instruction to dance and feel good, shaking from left to right, top to bottom, a simple and universal expression of happiness.

SUGA's verse injects a different but complementary energy. He addresses those who might have forgotten his capabilities or wished for his failure. His lyrics are a testament to resilience and confidence, asserting that he remains unchanged by time and criticism. He unapologetically embraces his own style and preferences, dismissing negativity with a metaphorical "smack." The mention of his and PSY's real names, Min Yoongi and Park Jae-sang, adds a personal and defiant touch, grounding their artistic personas in their true identities. His verse is a confident declaration of self, a brushing off of haters, and a call to stop the chatter and simply enjoy the moment.

The song's outro reinforces the central theme of freedom and self-expression, encouraging listeners to do and say what they want. The repetition of "That, that, I like that, babe" serves as a final, emphatic stamp of approval on living authentically and finding joy in one's own terms. It’s a powerful conclusion to a track that is, at its core, a high-energy celebration of resilience, comeback, and the freedom to be oneself without inhibition.

"That That" was released on April 29, 2022, as the lead single from PSY's ninth studio album, "Psy 9th". The song is a significant collaboration between PSY and SUGA of BTS, who co-wrote and co-produced the track. The collaboration began when PSY received a call from SUGA, who had produced a track he wanted to offer him. PSY noted that the song was made "in a jiff," a Korean industry saying for a song destined to be a hit, highlighting the smooth and rapid creative process.

Initially, SUGA's role was intended to be limited to producing. However, as they worked together, their collaboration deepened. PSY gradually involved SUGA more, leading him to write a rap verse, feature on the track, learn the intense choreography, and star in the music video. SUGA humorously recounted how he was "tricked" into the expanded role. Their working relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship, with both artists noting they felt like they were working with a childhood friend, despite the 16-year age gap. PSY praised SUGA's wide musical spectrum and detail-oriented nature, while SUGA expressed his gratitude for PSY paving the way for K-Pop globally.

The music video was filmed on a sandy beach in Incheon in mid-March. The weather conditions were challenging, with cold and rain making the sand muddy and difficult to dance on. Despite these difficulties, the video was completed, featuring a distinctive Wild West theme.

The most significant symbolism in "That That" revolves around the concept of rebirth and moving on, primarily visualized in the music video.

• Death of the 'Gangnam Style' Persona: The video features PSY in a blue suit reminiscent of his iconic "Gangnam Style" outfit. The narrative shows a conflict between this old PSY and the new, cowboy-clad PSY, culminating in the old persona being seemingly defeated. This symbolizes PSY's desire to put that era behind him and start a new chapter in his career, not wanting to be overshadowed by a single, decade-old hit.
• The Wild West Theme: The cowboy aesthetic represents a new frontier, a departure from the polished urban image of "Gangnam Style." It's a classic trope for showdowns and new beginnings, fitting the song's theme of a comeback and facing down critics.
• Metaphorical 'Smack': SUGA's lyric about gathering those who wished for his failure and giving them a "light smack" is a metaphor for brushing off negativity and haters. It's not about physical violence but about confidently moving past criticism and not letting it affect him.
• Personal Names: The use of their real names, "Min Yoongi" (SUGA) and "Park Jae-sang" (PSY), in the lyrics grounds the song in their authentic identities. It's a declaration that behind the stage personas are real artists who stand by their work and remain unchanged by fame or criticism.

The predominant emotional tone of "That That" is one of explosive, defiant joy and unrestrained celebration. This atmosphere is crafted through a high-energy combination of a relentless Latin dance beat, exuberant brass instrumentation, and PSY's signature boisterous vocal delivery. The song channels a feeling of collective catharsis, particularly in its lyrical references to the end of the pandemic, tapping into a widely shared desire for liberation and a return to joyful, crowded social life.

There's also a strong undercurrent of confidence and resilience. SUGA's verse, in particular, introduces a defiant and assertive tone, addressing critics with a cool, unbothered demeanor. This shifts the emotion slightly from pure party-starting to a celebration of perseverance. The collaboration between the two artists creates a sense of fun and camaraderie, with their chemistry in the music video adding to the overall lighthearted and playful mood. Ultimately, the song is an infectious expression of positive energy, designed to make listeners feel happy, liberated, and empowered to dance away their worries.

"That That" made a significant cultural impact upon its release, marking a successful comeback for PSY and another historic achievement for SUGA. The song immediately topped domestic music charts in South Korea like Genie and Bugs, and also performed strongly on international charts. It debuted at No. 80 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, extending PSY's record as the South Korean solo artist with the most entries on the chart (five). For SUGA, it marked his third solo entry on the Hot 100, making him the second South Korean soloist with the most placements, behind only PSY. The song also reached No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 61 on the UK's Official Singles Chart.

The music video was a viral sensation, accumulating over 30 million views in its first 24 hours and surpassing 100 million views in just seven days. As of late May 2025, it has surpassed 600 million views on YouTube. The collaboration was widely discussed, seen as a symbolic bridge between two generations of K-Pop superstars who brought the genre to global prominence. While some critics found the sound to be a replication of PSY's previous styles, the overwhelming public and chart success demonstrated a massive appetite for his signature brand of energetic, humorous, and catchy music.

The rhyme and rhythm of "That That" are central to its infectious and danceable quality.

• Rhythm and Tempo: The song is built on a fast-paced Latin dance rhythm with a driving beat, creating an almost unstoppable momentum. The tempo is consistently high, making it feel like a high-energy party track from start to finish. This relentless energy is a signature of PSY's title tracks, designed to be physically engaging and perfect for dancing.
• Repetitive Hooks: The song's structure relies heavily on simple, repetitive hooks. The chorus, with its chant-like "That, that, I like that," and the post-chorus repetition of the same phrase, are incredibly catchy. This repetition, combined with the strong rhythm, makes the song an earworm that is easy to remember and sing along to, regardless of language barriers.
• Lyrical Flow: PSY's verses have a rhythmic, almost spoken-word delivery that builds into the sung pre-chorus. SUGA's rap verse introduces a complex, percussive flow that contrasts with PSY's more straightforward delivery. His use of internal rhymes and a dynamic cadence adds a layer of technical skill and hip-hop authenticity to the track. The interplay between the driving musical rhythm and the varied vocal rhythms keeps the song engaging and dynamic throughout.

"That That" employs a blend of musical and lyrical techniques to create its high-energy, satirical, and celebratory feel.

• Musical Fusion: The track is a vibrant fusion of genres, primarily a Latin-infused dance beat with K-Pop and Hip-Hop elements. The use of pounding percussion and celebratory brass stabs creates a relentless, infectious energy that compels listeners to dance. This cross-genre appeal is a hallmark of PSY's style.
• Linguistic Code-Switching: The lyrics artfully mix Korean and English, a common feature in K-Pop but used here to enhance the song's global, party-like atmosphere. Simple, repetitive English hooks like "That, that, I like that" and "Do what you wanna" make the song instantly memorable and easy for international audiences to sing along to.
• Vocal Delivery: PSY's vocal performance is characteristically energetic and confident, commanding the track with a performative conviction that sells even the silliest lines. SUGA's rap verse provides a stylistic contrast; his flow is dynamic and sharp, cutting through the boisterous instrumental to deliver a clear message of defiance and self-assurance.
• Satire and Humor: In line with PSY's broader discography, the song and its video are layered with humor and satire. The over-the-top Wild West theme and the dramatic "killing off" of his old persona are comedic, while also poking fun at the pressures of fame and the public's perception of him.

What is the meaning behind the song 'That That' by PSY and SUGA?

'That That' is a celebratory anthem about emerging from the pandemic and returning to a life of joy and freedom. It also marks PSY's comeback after five years and features lyrics from SUGA about resilience and ignoring critics. The core message is to embrace what you like and live without inhibition.

How did the collaboration between PSY and SUGA for 'That That' happen?

SUGA initially contacted PSY to offer him a song he had produced. What started as a producer role evolved into a full collaboration, with SUGA co-writing lyrics, featuring on the track, and even learning the choreography for the music video, a process they both described as fun and seamless, like working with an old friend.

What is the symbolism in the 'That That' music video?

The main symbolism is PSY moving on from his 'Gangnam Style' era. He wears a similar suit from that video and engages in a mock fight, metaphorically 'killing' his old persona to start a new chapter. The Wild West theme represents this new frontier and a showdown with his past.

When was 'That That' by PSY and SUGA released?

The song and its music video were released on April 29, 2022. It was the lead single from PSY's ninth studio album, 'Psy 9th'.

What genre is the song 'That That'?

'That That' is primarily a K-Pop and Dance track with strong Latin-infused rhythms. It also incorporates elements of Hip-Hop, especially during SUGA's rap verse, and has an overall energetic, electronic sound.

What do the lyrics 'Min Yoongi and Park Jae-sang' mean in 'That That'?

Min Yoongi is SUGA's real name, and Park Jae-sang is PSY's real name. Including their birth names in the lyrics is a personal touch that reinforces their authentic identities as artists, standing confidently behind their collaborative work.

How did 'That That' perform on the music charts?

The song was a major success, topping charts in South Korea and ranking high globally. It debuted at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200, and No. 61 on the UK's Official Singles Chart, marking significant chart achievements for both PSY and SUGA as solo artists.