The Unfading 'Apartment' Craze... Ros? "Happy to Share Korean Culture"

Ros?'s 'Apartment' Tops US Billboard Global Chart for 2 Consecutive Weeks

BLACKPINK's Ros? expressed pride in the growing interest in Korean culture following the release of her hit song "Apartment (APT.)."

On the 4th (local time), Ros? said in an interview with the US magazine Paper, "I understand that people are starting to learn more and more about Korean culture," adding, "Korean culture is one of the most fascinating cultures." She continued, "Personally, it is a joy to be able to show Korean culture to the world." "Apartment" is a duet between Ros? and pop star Bruno Mars, inspired by the Korean drinking game called the "Apartment Game." The song gained widespread popularity immediately after its release, featuring an addictive chorus repeating "Apartment Apartment" and lively band sounds. "Apartment" topped the US Billboard Global (excluding US) and Global 200 charts for two consecutive weeks.

Group BLACKPINK's Ros? released the single "APT." on the 18th in collaboration with global pop star Bruno Mars, according to her agency The Black Label. Photo by The Black Label. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As the song gained popularity, videos introducing the Apartment Game to overseas fans on social media platforms such as TikTok have also attracted attention. A video of Ros? enjoying the game to the song surpassed 30 million views on TikTok.

Ros? also revealed how she came to sing "Apartment" with Bruno Mars. Among several duet song candidates Ros? had chosen, it was Bruno Mars who selected "Apartment." Ros? said, "I was the only one around me who believed Mars would sing 'Apartment.' Everyone else reacted with 'He won't sing that song, don't send it,' but I thought it had to be this song." She recalled, "When Mars asked about the meaning of 'Apartment,' I told him it was a Korean drinking game, and he responded with 'That's cool.'"

Singer Ros?, who is gaining popularity with the collaboration song "Apartment" with American pop star Bruno Mars (right). Instagram

"Apartment" is the pre-release single from Ros?'s first full-length album "rosie," set to be released on the 6th of next month. Ros? hinted that her full album "rosie" would have a very different atmosphere from "Apartment." She introduced "rosie" as "an album about the vulnerable and confusing twenties." She said, "I wanted to sing about the twenties, which is a difficult period in life," and added, "I hope people accept that I am not much different from an ordinary girlfriend or a 23-year-old girl."

The album is also expected to include songs that honestly express experiences with malicious comments (malicious online remarks) and the emotions caused by them. Ros? explained that she got inspiration for the song from her habit of looking up malicious comments on the internet. She confessed, "I realized how vulnerable and addicted I am to the (online) world, and how strong my desire is to receive love and understanding," adding, "Even when I act like I’m fine during interviews, every word and every comment breaks me down."