Exploring the Charm of Rosé’s Latest Hit, “APT.”
“Apatue, Apatue”: In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, Rosé’s latest single, “APT.,” has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This delightful track, a collaboration with the renowned Bruno Mars, brings a fresh and playful vibe to the music scene. The song’s title, “APT.,” cleverly plays on the word “apartment,” reflecting the modern urban lifestyle that resonates with many.
The lyrics of “APT.” paint a vivid picture of city life, with Rosé singing about the joys and challenges of living in a bustling metropolis. Its playful tone and relatable themes make it a perfect anthem for those embracing the fast-paced urban lifestyle.
Now, let’s dive into the song’s playful charm and the free-spirited rhythm that Bruno Mars brings to the collaboration. But wait—what’s the chorus saying? “Apateu, Apateu”? What does “Apateu” mean? And what’s with the intro? A random game? Let’s unpack this!
It Comes from a Korean Drinking Game, “Apatue Game”
The introduction to “APT.” is a chorus inspired by the start of a Korean drinking game. Yes, this song is about a drinking game called the “Apatue Game.”
Drinking games are a big part of Korean drinking culture. Unlike games like beer pong that use cups and balls (no offense, beer pong is super cool!), Korean games often involve singing and physical gestures. Beloved games like “3-6-9” or the “Carrot Game” (stay tuned, I’ll introduce them later!) include playful songs and gestures.
The rules of the “Apatue Game” are simple. A group of people sits in a circle, placing their palms together in one spot. The host calls out a number, and starting with the person whose hand is at the bottom, players count aloud while raising their palms one by one. Whoever counts the number called by the host gets a penalty.
If you like the “Apatue Game,” you’ll love other unique Korean drinking games like the “3-6-9” and “Carrot” games. Let me know if you want to learn about those!
What Exactly Is “Apatue”?
“Apatue” comes from the Korean word for “apartment.”
Foreign visitors often notice the numerous tall, rectangular buildings dominating non-tourist residential areas in Korea. These buildings, called “Apatue” in Korean, are a quintessential part of the urban landscape. Now, you might understand why the “Apatue Game” involves counting floors, like second, third, and so on—it mirrors the structure of an apartment building!
To me, this is what Seoul looks like: mountains and countless Apatue. While apartments dominate the city’s landscape, I personally don’t think they create the most beautiful scenery.
Koreans and Their Love for Apatue
To this day, Apatue remains the preferred housing style in Korea. Luxurious high-rise apartments are often seen as symbols of wealth and social status. In Korea, apartments have become synonymous with middle-class prosperity, reflecting the country’s economic growth. High-end apartments are especially desirable for their convenient locations, modern facilities, and security systems.
These apartments are more than just living spaces—they’re symbols of success. For instance, Korean dramas like The Penthouse: War in Life often feature luxurious apartments to emphasize the characters’ wealth and conflicts.
On the other hand, there’s the “semi-basement” housing portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite. Remember the scene where the bathroom floods during heavy rain? It symbolized the struggles of those living in poverty. Many Koreans see Apatue as the opposite of the semi-basement, a contrast that highlights socioeconomic differences.
A Look Back at Why Apatue Became Popular
During Korea’s rapid economic development in the 1970s and 1980s, apartments became the ideal housing solution—not for aesthetic reasons, but for their efficiency. Apartments allowed many people to live in small spaces at a lower cost. Back then, moving into an apartment symbolized escaping poverty and joining the middle class—a sentiment that lingers in the Korean mindset today.
So, while I might think Apatue are visually uninspiring, I can’t blame Koreans for their love of these practical and symbolic homes.
Everyday Life in Apatue: Seen in Korean Media
When I think of Apatue, two images come to mind.
First, the security guards in blue uniforms, affectionately called “Security Uncles.” (I know this translation sounds awkward, but it reflects the social relationship between residents and these guards.) Just like in Sweet Home, real-life security guards often work in small guardhouses, handling tasks like recycling, cleaning, and package deliveries. Unlike in Sweet Home, though, most Koreans are kind to their “Security Uncles.”
Second, the children’s playgrounds in the middle of apartment complexes. Any Korean who grew up in an Apatue will remember playing there as a child. Although these playgrounds are less lively post-COVID, they remain a nostalgic part of many childhoods.
Wrapping Up
This post started with Rosé’s latest hit song, “APT.,” and the “Apatue Game.” From there, we explored the cultural significance of Apatue and their role in the lives of Koreans. I hope you found this post interesting, and I promise to share more in the future!