A Billboard crown remained elusive this week for Psy, a Korean rapper, but he may smile at news that some American fans were reinstated after losing jobs for a parody of "Gangnam Style."

For the fourth consecutive week, "Style" was placed at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, updated Wednesday, once again tackled by Maroon 5's "One More Night."

"The battle for No. 1 wasn't as close as last week," Billboard said, as the total point gap widened to 2,000 points from fewer than 700 a week ago.

Billboard's Hot 100 Chart reflect CD sales, digital downloads and radio airplay.

Radio play continued to be an obstacle for Psy, a 34-year-old entertainer promising to take the stage half-naked if he conquers the leading U.S. music chart.

Psy will try to recharge his gallop in the U.S. He will fly to Los Angeles on Friday for local promotion.

Meanwhile, a Californian city council announced a decision to rehire 14 lifeguards who were fired in September after the release of a video showing them parody Psy's trademark horse-riding dance in uniform at the city pool.

The council in El Monte, a town in southern California, initially said the public workers had violated the code of conduct, although the lifeguards said they were off duty when they made the clip.

Many local residents defended the workers, forcing the council to switch its position in a vote. (Yonhap News)