Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars have stirred global excitement with their new song “APT,” released on October 19. The catchy track, featuring an infectious chorus repeating the word “apartment” (pronounced “apateu” in Korean), is a prelude to Rosé’s first full-length album Rosie, which will drop on December 6.
Inspired by a popular Korean drinking game, “APT” has an upbeat sound and showcases Rosé’s playful connection to her roots. The game, known as the “apartment game,” involves players stacking their hands, with the leader calling out a number. Players then remove their hands one by one, and anyone who makes an error must drink as a penalty. Rosé explained her personal attachment to the game, saying, “It’s my favorite Korean drinking game, and it always breaks the ice at any party.”
While in the studio, Rosé introduced the game to her crew, and the infectious chant that accompanies the game soon inspired the song’s creation. After Bruno Mars joined the project, the collaboration gained further momentum, and the rest is history. Videos of Rosé teaching Mars the game and speaking Korean have spread across social media, drawing attention to Korea’s unique drinking culture.
The growing interest in “APT” has also brought attention to other popular Korean drinking games, like the “nunchi game.” This game requires players to call out numbers in sequence, but the trick is to avoid saying the same number as another player or being the last to speak, as both lead to a penalty.
Another fan-favorite is the “3-6-9 game” (sam-yuk-gu), where players must count aloud but clap instead of saying numbers that include three, six, or nine. If a player makes a mistake, they must drink. The game emphasizes timing and quick thinking, making it a lively addition to social gatherings.
For those looking for a cultural twist, the “Hunminjeongeum game” celebrates Korea’s rich history. Players respond to consonants announced by the leader, racing to shout corresponding words while stacking their thumbs. The slowest player faces a penalty, usually in the form of a drink.
Another game, named after Korean actor Son Byung-ho, challenges players to fold their fingers based on shared traits. The first to fold all fingers is penalized, creating a fun dynamic. And for simplicity, the “soju bottle cap game” involves flicking the metal tail of a soju bottle cap, with the winner deciding who drinks.
Rosé’s “APT” not only showcases her musical creativity but also introduces listeners to the fun and interactive world of Korean drinking culture.
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