ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’s ‘APT.’: Decoding the Viral Sensation That’s Revolutionizing Korean Drinking Culture
In a groundbreaking collaboration that’s taking the music world by storm, BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars have unleashed their infectious single ‘APT.’ – a track that’s not just dominating charts but also offering a fascinating glimpse into Korean drinking culture. As the song climbs to an anticipated Number 6 position on the UK Official Singles Chart this Friday (October 25), let’s dive deep into the cultural phenomenon that inspired this chart-topping hit.
The Cultural Significance Behind ‘APT.‘
At its core, ‘APT.’ (pronounced “ap-a-teu”) draws its inspiration from a beloved Korean drinking game known as ‘the apartment game.’ The title itself is a clever play on the Korean word “apateu” (아파트), meaning apartment. ROSÉ, through her agency The Black Label, reveals the organic way this cultural element transformed into a global hit:
“APT. is actually my favorite Korean drinking game that I play with my friends back home,” ROSÉ explains. “What started as a simple studio session teaching my crew this game evolved into something magical, especially after Bruno Mars joined the project.”
The Apartment Game: A Social Phenomenon
The drinking game that inspired the track is beautifully simple yet engaging. Players stack their hands together, creating a tower-like structure, while a designated leader calls out numbers. Starting from the bottom, players remove their hands one by one. The catch? If your hand corresponds to the called number or if you repeat a previously called number, you must drink as a forfeit. This simple yet entertaining game has been a staple of Korean social gatherings, breaking ice and fostering connections.
Musical Innovation Meets Cultural Heritage
The track’s production showcases a brilliant fusion of modern pop with nostalgic elements, notably interpolating Toni Basil’s 1982 hit “Mickey.” This creative decision, credited to songwriters Michael Chapman and Nicholas Chinn, adds a layer of familiarity while creating something entirely fresh and contemporary.
ROSÉ: The Rising Global Superstar
For those unfamiliar with ROSÉ, born Roseanne Park on February 11, 1997, her journey from New Zealand-born, Australian-raised artist to K-pop sensation is nothing short of remarkable. As a vital member of BLACKPINK, she’s contributed to eight UK Top 40 singles and three Top 40 albums, including the chart-topping “BORN PINK” in 2022. Her solo venture began with “On The Ground” reaching Number 43 in 2021, but “APT.” is poised to become her highest-charting solo achievement yet.
The Lyrics: A Perfect Blend of Fun and Romance
The song’s lyrics masterfully weave together the playful nature of the drinking game with romantic undertones. Lines like “Don’t you want me like I want you, baby? Don’t you need me like I need you now?” create an intimate atmosphere, while the repetitive “Apartment, apartment” chorus pays homage to the game’s chanting nature. This combination creates an irresistible hook that’s both culturally significant and globally appealing.
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Kissy face, kissy face
Sent to your phone, but
I’m tryna kiss your lips for real (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Red hearts, red hearts
That’s what I’m on, yeah
Come give me somethin’ I can feel, oh-oh, oh
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
It’s whatever (Whatever), it’s whatever (Whatever)
It’s whatever (Whatever) you like (Woo)
Turn this apartment into a club (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
I’m talkin’ drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night (Come on)
Cheers, cheers, girl, what’s up? Oh-oh, oh
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Hey, so now you know the game
Are you ready?
’Cause I’m comin’ to get ya, get ya, get ya
Hold on, hold on
I’m on my way
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
I’m on my way
Hold on, hold on
I’m on my way
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
I’m on my way
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Just meet me at the (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Just meet me at the (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Just meet me at the (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Looking Ahead
As fans eagerly await ROSÉ’s debut solo album “rosie” (set for release on December 6, 2024), “APT.” serves as a perfect bridge between her K-pop roots and global pop aspirations. The song’s success demonstrates how cultural elements can be transformed into universal experiences that resonate across borders.
The Impact
“APT.” isn’t just another pop song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that showcases the growing influence of Korean culture in global entertainment. Its success highlights how traditional games and social customs can be reimagined for a modern audience while maintaining their authentic charm.
With its catchy melody, cultural significance, and star power collaboration, “APT.” is more than just a trending song – it’s a testament to the power of cultural exchange in modern music, proving that some of the best creative inspirations come from the simplest of sources.