Blackpink’s Rosé is making waves with her latest single “APT.,” a collaboration with Filipino American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars.
Since its release, the track has gained immense global traction, breaking records and solidifying Rosé’s place as a trailblazer in the music industry.
The track, which debuted at No. 38 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart, marks the first time a female K-pop soloist has entered the Top 40 of this chart. “APT.” has held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Global 200 chart for 6 weeks, solidifying its status as a global sensation.
“APT.” is only the third track by a female K-pop act ever to make it onto the Radio Songs chart, further emphasizing the significance of this accomplishment. Rosé’s success reflects the growing influence of K-pop on the global music industry, breaking barriers for female representation on mainstream platforms.
This milestone joins achievements by other notable K-pop acts, including her fellow Blackpink member Jennie’s “One of the Girls” collaboration with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp which also climbed the charts. It also breaks the record set by K-pop group Fifty Fifty, whose viral sensation “Cupid” debuted at No. 48 in 2023.
Forbes notes that the song has also climbed the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, moving from No. 40 to No. 35 in just its second week, making Rosé the second South Korean solo female artist to land on the chart, following Peggy Gou’s historic run.
Bruno Mars, no stranger to Billboard success, returns to the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart for the seventeenth time with “APT.” His collaboration with Rosé combines his signature style with her unique vocals, creating a cross-genre sensation that resonates with fans worldwide.
“APT.” has not only achieved chart success but also earned critical acclaim. At the 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), their collaboration garnered the prestigious “Global Sensation Award,” marking Bruno Mars’ first MAMA win and a significant step in his exploration of K-pop collaborations.
The song’s inspiration adds a fun cultural twist, as it’s based on a popular Korean drinking game Rosé enjoys. During her acceptance speech at MAMA, she expressed gratitude and surprise at the song’s impact in her acceptance speech.
“The song began with the drinking game I like the most, and I never expected it to be loved this much,” she shared.
“APT.” masterfully balances global and local appeal. While its catchy beat and Bruno Mars’ signature style make it universally accessible, the song’s roots in a beloved Korean drinking game give it a unique cultural flair. This blend of global star power and cultural authenticity speaks to Rosé’s ability to bridge diverse audiences. It also highlights the growing trend of K-pop artists who incorporate distinctly Korean elements into their music while achieving international success, proving that staying true to their roots can enhance their global reach.
Rosé’s achievements with “APT.” highlight the growing influence of K-pop and South Korean artists in the global music scene. Only a handful of South Korean artists have ever made it onto the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart. Rosé’s success underscores the diversity and impact of Korean artists across musical genres.
As “APT.” continues to dominate charts and capture audiences, Rosé’s career is reaching new heights. Her song’s widespread acclaim not only reignites her solo career but also paves the way for greater representation of K-pop on international stages.
With its catchy tune, cultural influences, and powerhouse collaboration, “APT.” is more than just a hit- it’s a landmark moment for K-pop and global music alike.
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