Released Oct. 18, 2024, the song “APT” by singer-songwriter and BLACKPINK idol Rosé has been an instant success among fans across the globe. Featuring fellow artist Bruno Mars, the song is centered around the idea of playing a Korean drinking game with a crush. Described by Vogue as a “pop-punk delight,” “APT” starts off with a sample of dialogue from Rosé’s team, introducing APT as “Chaeyoung’s favorite random game” (Chaeyoung being Rosé’s Korean name), before jumping into the game’s chant of “ap-a-teu ap-a-teu,” which is the Korean pronunciation of the word ‘apartment’. Reminiscent of the songs of the 2010s, “APT’s” simple, repetitive lyrics and use of a drum set to maintain a straightforward, upbeat rhythm makes the song easy to nod along to without realizing it.

Though some listeners online have called “APT” ‘boring’ due to its lack of lyrical depth and storytelling, the song’s simplicity is part of its charm. “APT” is not a song to do your 3-page analysis of metaphors on—it is a song to scream into a karaoke mic while jumping around. Even throughout the music video, Rosé and Bruno Mars are simply having fun dancing, flirting, singing and making music together. Their silly dance moves, cute interactions and facial expressions further highlight the theme of not taking life too seriously and living in the moment. During a time when the trendiest songs are centered around heartbreak, frustration and anger in the world, “APT” reminds us of the small, joyful moments that make life worth living. Even if the contents of the song are ‘unserious’, since its release, “APT” has made noteworthy impact on the music industry. In Nov. 2024, “APT” won Rosé and Bruno Mars the Mnet Asian Music Award (MAMA), and according to the Korea Herald, “APT” broke records, reaching No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and No. 4 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart Top 100—making Rosé the first ever K-pop female soloist to reach such heights.

While listening to “APT”, I have often found myself unconsciously nodding my head and mouthing the lyrics with a smile on my face. The pure passion and joy conveyed by Rosé and Bruno Mars as they sing and perform this song is infectious, regardless of whether you are a fan of the artists or not. Unapologetically cheerful and celebratory, “APT” is no doubt the most addicting song of the year.