The story behind Rosé’s ‘APT.’
The meaning behind her collaboration with Bruno Mars, and how it's defying all expectations
Rosé & Bruno Mars
John V. Esparza
Words by Daniel Anderson
Chaeyeongiga
joahaneun random game
Random game
Game start
The playful chant marks the disarming beginning of BLACKPINK Rosé and Bruno Mars' mega-viral hit, “APT.” Over the past month, TikTok and Instagram have been flooded with clips of fans and celebs alike mimicking the track’s addictive “Apateu, apateu, Apateu, apateu, Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh” chorus. The track's infectious rhythm has taken on a life of its own, inspiring Halloween costumes from the music video, and sparking widespread chatter—even among non-K-pop fans, with stars like Zoe Saldana jumping in on the choreography trend.
Since its Oct. 18 release, “APT.” has shattered milestones, amassing more than 100 million Spotify streams in just seven days—the fastest for any K-pop female solo artist and second fastest for any K-pop act. The track debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, with 25 million streams, marking Rosé’s first and Mars’ 20th top 10 entry. Rosé also made history as the first K-pop female artist to reach the top 10. In her birth country of New Zealand, “APT.” debuted at number one, becoming her first chart-topper there, and in South Korea, it has already claimed seven wins on a number of broadcast TV music programs like Inkigayo, M Countdown, and Show! Music Core.
The song is undeniably catchy, and Mars' feature only amplifies its appeal—he even earned a spot on our 2024 Sexiest API Men list (at least in part) because of it. But going beyond the surface, “APT.” marks Rosé’s bold new venture as a solo artist, one that defies the expectations long placed on her.
“APT.,” short for apartment, draws from a Korean drinking game Rosé loves, in which players stack hands to match a called-out number—the person whose hand lands on top takes a shot. This playful hand-stacking move even works its way into the song’s choreography, adding an interactive edge to the beat.
Given the song’s unconventional subject matter, there was initial hesitation about its release. Rosé revealed in interviews that she was reluctant to make her first solo with Atlantic Records centered on a drinking game. In fact, she even asked her team to delete the track from their phones—but they refused because they were so enamored with it. Her team also enjoys playing the game in the studio, and Rosé occasionally teaches it to her celebrity friends at the glamorous events they attend. It’s uniquely hers, offering a window into a lighter, more sincere side of the artist. In addition, it received Mars’ seal of approval, as he selected “APT.” out of the three tracks Rosé sent him as options for their collaboration.
Often cast as the sweet, singer-songwriter type, Rosé flips the script with “APT.”—a punchy, pop-punk thrill that channels Avril Lavigne’s rebellious energy. It’s a natural extension of Rosé’s Hard to Love track from BLACKPINK’s 2022 album Born Pink. The track is also a reconstruction of and loosely inspired by Yoon Soo-il's 1982 hit “Apartment.”
Within BLACKPINK, Rosé has often been portrayed as the quintessential singer-songwriter next door. Many fans, especially with Mars’ involvement, expected a melancholic ballad or a “sadgirl hours” hymn. However, the imagery surrounding BLACKPINK’s fierce girl crush persona and Rosé’s role as an Yves Saint Laurent ambassador often projects an aura of luxury and untouchable glamor. Yet beneath this polished exterior lies a relatable, more vulnerable girl.
In a revealing interview with PAPER Magazine, Rosé expresses her desire for people to see her as more than just a star. “I want people to understand that I’m not much different from your average girlfriend or 23-year-old,” she shares. “I’m probably very relatable if you listen to my songs, especially if you’ve been in any kind of toxic relationship." These songs about toxic dynamics offer a preview of her upcoming album, Rosie, set for release on Dec. 6. “APT.” serves as both the opener and a reintroduction to an artist audiences think they know.
As Rosé navigates Western media interviews such as Hot Ones, she reveals new dimensions of herself, ones that had previously been obscured by the rigid expectations and constraints of K-pop’s often pedantic system. “APT.” stands as a bold declaration of Rosé’s dual Korean and Western identities—marking both a turning point and a forward-looking statement about her journey ahead.
Published on November 19, 2024
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.