BLACKPINK’s Rose and American pop star Bruno Mars / Courtesy of The Black Label
By KTimes
BLACKPINK’s Rose has made waves with her pre-release single "APT.," ahead of her first full-length solo album. Since its release, the song has rapidly gained popularity worldwide, maintaining a steep upward trajectory even weeks after its debut.
Released as a teaser for her album set to drop on Dec. 6, "APT." is Rose’s first solo work since leaving YG Entertainment. This marks her first official release under The Black Label, an agency led by producer Teddy, and Atlantic Records, signaling her independent artistic path and sparking massive anticipation among fans worldwide.
After solo releases from fellow BLACKPINK members Lisa and Jennie, who have also pursued individual careers, Rose too faced significant pressure.
Despite her success with previous singles like "On the Ground," this album carries the added weight of her artistic debut after parting ways with YG Entertainment. As a result, fans were eager to see how she would evolve as a solo artist.
Rose and Bruno Mars' hit single collaboration, "APT." / Captured from Instagram
“APT.” quickly caught fire worldwide, fusing the familiar with the fresh as Rose’s iconic voice meets the universal allure of pop sensation Bruno Mars. The track’s innovative blend has struck a chord with listeners around the globe.
Its addictive chorus, inspired by a traditional Korean drinking game, adds a fresh twist, while the interpolation of the 1981 hit "Hey Mickey" brings a nostalgic appeal.
This combination of star power and creativity has cemented "APT." as a mega-hit.
The song has shattered numerous records, making Rose the first Korean female solo artist to reach No. 1 on both the U.S. and global Spotify charts. It also climbed to No. 2 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart Top 100, setting a new high for Korean female artists.
On Oct. 29, "APT." debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, another record for a K-pop female soloist. On YouTube, the music video surpassed 200 million views in just 11 days.
The release of “APT.” has seen an enthusiastic reception globally, with fans creating viral TikTok dances and media outlets publishing countless articles to explain the popular Korean drinking game.
Domestically, "APT." has maintained the top spot on Korean music charts, holding off competitors like G-Dragon, Jennie, aespa and Day6.
What makes "APT." so impactful?
Cultural critic Chung Deok-hyun said, “‘APT.’ brings in a distinctly Korean element — a drinking game — as its theme, yet the song and melody itself are much closer to pop music. Since it was produced by American label personnel, I think it naturally has a significant pop influence.”
Chung further elaborated on the contrasting approaches between the two music industries. “In Korea, the focus is usually on ‘how can we target the American market,’ but in the U.S., the consideration is different. From the beginning, they think about how to incorporate K-pop elements into the global market for success," said Chung. "This approach led to a song that, while containing Korean elements, has a pop feel, creating a universally powerful appeal.”
The success of "APT." also sets a meaningful precedent for K-pop’s growing global presence, showcasing the potential for K-pop artists to transcend traditional boundaries and reach wider audiences.
“Rose has effectively bridged the gap between a pop star and a K-pop star with ‘APT.’ It feels like this mega-hit represents the pathway from K-pop to the American pop market," said Chung. "It’s an example of how local production systems can collaborate globally, with American companies working with successful K-pop artists.”
Unlike her bandmates Lisa and Jennie, who focused primarily on international markets, Rose has successfully blended international trends with elements appealing to Korean fans, solidifying her presence as a solo artist in both markets.
Rose is set to release her new album "rosie" and begin solo activities on Dec. 6. Courtesy of The Black Label
In addition to the song’s punkish, dancy beat, experts credit the general rise of global interest in Korean culture as a contributing factor to the song’s success.
The Korean term “Apateu” has quickly become a social media sensation, with critics attributing the song’s appeal to its playful fusion of English and Korean. Rather than following a traditional narrative, Rose amplifies the words' natural playfulness, crafting a unique mix that resonates across generations and around the world.
Through "APT." Rose is showcasing Korean culture to a global audience eager to understand more. As fans dive into her music, she reveals her authentic self, setting the stage for a powerful solo career that’s reshaping her image and redefining her artistry.
For Rose, the main vocalist of BLACKPINK, "APT." marks a significant career milestone. With her first full solo album "rosie" set for release on Dec. 6, the global buzz surrounding "APT." is likely to benefit her album’s performance.
The album "rosie" includes 12 tracks, all written and composed by Rose herself, allowing her to share a more personal and intimate narrative.
Rose and Bruno Mars / Captured from Instagram
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
English (United States) ·