While most of the world was officially nursing hangovers on New Year's Day, Psy was unofficially launching the next phase of his career.

Having more or less put his smash hit "Gangnam Style" to bed with a performance on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" -- he told MTV News that he was [article id="1699461"]"ending" the song[/article], because it "became too popular" (though he admits he'll still probably be performing it around the world for most of 2013) -- the South Korean sensation was hard at work on the follow-up single, which he says will put him front and center.

"I don't think I'll be doing any collaborations until my new track is done, and it's not done yet, but I'm thinking of doing it by myself, so I can prove I can do it one more time," Psy told MTV News. "And I'm working hard on it, because I've got to be good with the track and the video, and I've got to be able to perform it on the stage."

And while Psy wouldn't reveal any additional details about his next Stateside single, based on what he did say, it sounds it won't be his much-discussed collaboration with Diplo and 2 Chainz ... though he has been taking inspiration from a few of his pop contemporaries.

"I really like [Rihanna's] 'We Found Love,' and these days I've been listening to 'Scream & Shout' by will.i.am and Britney Spears," he said. "And, of course, all year, I have liked what Usher has done, too."

And, as you'd probably expect, when it comes to following up a single as [article id="1699329"]successful as "Gangnam Style,"[/article] Psy knows the stakes are high ... though he's viewing that pressure as a good thing: After all, in 2013, he thinks he can become a genuine K-Pop pioneer.

"If you look at K-Pop, it's kind of popular around the world, but its known for some skinny boys and pretty girls," he laughed. "So I'm proud to be here without that skinny body! If I can do it, anybody can!"

Can Psy follow up the success of 'Gangnam Style?' Let us know in the comments below!