Can Pengsoo, the giant penguin from Korea, really knock Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran off the top of America’s Billboard chart?
Already an unlikely icon in its home country, Pengsoo now has its sights set on world domination
Pengsoo, the sensational giant penguin mascot, will make its singing debut this week. And what better way to kick off a music career than target America's prestigious Billboard chart?
The 10-year-old character will release its first digital single This is Pengsoo today, April 21, according to its creator the Korea Educational Broadcasting System (EBS).
The song is part of the character's Billboard Project Vol. 1 that features high-profile hip-hop musicians including Tiger JK.
This is Pengsoo is a blend of rap and yodel. Through the lyrics, Pengsoo delivers its hope to make it onto the Billboard chart.
Although slightly bizarre, it’s fortunately all for a good cause. Revenue from the track will be donated to an environmental organisation in celebration of World Penguin Day (April 25).
“Pengsoo will also venture into various musical genres other than hip-hop in the coming days,” EBS said. “We hope the upcoming release can be a gift for those who have been looking forward to Pengsoo's song.”
EBS 1TV will air an episode of Pengsoo's collaboration at 7:45pm (KST) Friday. The episode will also be uploaded to the character's YouTube channel Giant Peng TV, which has racked up more than two million subscribers.
Pengsoo, a genderless penguin from Antarctica, came to Korea to become a star, according to EBS. Debuting in 2019, the 210-centimetre-tall character rose to stardom here thanks to its humour and bluntness. It was even voted Person of the Year in Korea last year.
Can a penguin mascot from South Korea really outdo the likes Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran on America’s biggest music chart? Never say never.
Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter .