Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
'Gangnam Style': El Monte lifeguards fired over 'Lifeguard Style' Psy music video spoof want their jobs back
A screenshot of El Monte lifeguards spoofing a Korean viral music video.
(
YouTube
)
Listen
'Gangnam Style': El Monte lifeguards fired over 'Lifeguard Style' Psy music video spoof want their jobs back
The 14 lifeguards in El Monte who were fired for making a spoof of K-pop music video "Gangnam Style" by Psy want their jobs back. They’re planning to make that plea Tuesday night at an El Monte City Council meeting.
“Lifeguard Style” was a remake of the hugely popular “Gangnam Style” from Korean pop star Psy. In the original, Psy does his cheesy dancing dressed in a tux in various settings. In the remake, the lifeguards do about the same thing, but they’re dressed in their lifeguard uniforms and they’re using the El Monte Aquatic Center.
That's what ticked off El Monte city officials. They say that the lifeguards violated a policy against using city property for private use or benefit.
As their video has gone viral, the lifeguards have become a popular cause. Even Psy himself has called on the city to rehire the lifeguards.
The original music video that inspired their spoof:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
