Rosé's latest release, APT, is currently dominating global music charts. The song, which gained additional attention through a collaboration with the renowned artist Bruno Mars, captivated listeners with its addictive lyrics and melodies. Within just five days of its release, the music video reached over 100 million views on YouTube, cementing its place at the top of trending videos and music charts worldwide. Interestingly, APT draws inspiration from a traditional Korean drinking game—let’s dive into the backstory behind this fascinating connection.
1. What Is Rosé’s APT?
During her appearance at the Saint Laurent 2025 Spring/Summer Fashion Show in Paris, Rosé shared a glimpse of Korean culture with fellow celebrities like Kiko Mizuhara, Laura Harrier, and Maika Monroe by introducing them to the “Apartment” drinking game. This moment turned out to be a playful build-up to the release of her new single.
On October 18, Rosé dropped APT, a duet with Bruno Mars, which quickly became a sensation. This track showcases Rosé’s personal touch as she contributed to both the lyrics and composition. The song borrows its theme from the widely-known “apartment game” played during Korean drinking gatherings. Notably, Rosé kept the pronunciation of the word “apartment” in Korean, repeating “Apart” throughout the chorus. This deliberate choice enhances the track’s memorability, effortlessly drawing in global audiences across language barriers.
Rosé mentioned that the song was born spontaneously one night in the studio, where she taught the staff how to play the apartment game. Their shared enjoyment inspired her to turn this experience into a song. As a result, the song not only embodies playful elements but also draws international attention to this traditional drinking game.
2. What Is the Apartment Game?
The apartment game is a simple yet thrilling activity designed to enliven social drinking settings:
Opening Chant: The game begins with participants chanting a rhythmic version of the word “apartment”, similar to the catchy lyrics in Rosé’s song.
Stacking Hands: Players place their hands, one by one, in a stack, creating a hand tower.
Leader’s Call: The game leader shouts, “What floor?”—indicating a specific hand in the stack, using it metaphorically as a building floor.
Removing Hands: Participants remove their hands in sequence until the specified floor is reached.
End of the game: The person whose hand corresponds to the called floor drink Jinro soju or Somaek mixed with Jinro soju.
This game thrives on its simplicity and tension, making it ideal for breaking the ice at parties. It’s no surprise that the APT music video captures Rosé and Bruno Mars enjoying the game while toasting with drinks.
The Deeper Meaning Behind APT
Apartments represent more than just a physical space; they reflect both community and isolation in modern life. Drinking games like the apartment game serve as social bridges, helping individuals overcome feelings of loneliness by fostering connections. In this light, APT offers more than infectious melodies—it subtly suggests a remedy for the emotional disconnects of contemporary society through music and playful interaction.
The fusion of music and drinking culture is a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional expression. By channeling this synergy, APT resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, reinforcing the universal appeal of connection through shared experiences.
The growing global popularity of Korean culture now extends beyond music and dramas to drinking games. Just as Jinro Soju has become a staple of Korean culinary exports, games like the apartment game are becoming a novel way to experience Korean drinking culture abroad. Whether through enjoying a drink or playing a lighthearted game, the essence of these traditions lies in bringing people together.
With APT, Rosé bridges the gap between cultures by blending a fun, local tradition with a global pop sound. As the world embraces diverse ways to enjoy Jinro Soju, why not try adding the apartment game to your next gathering? It’s not just about drinking—it’s about celebrating togetherness.
You can find out more here in JINRO BLOG posting about drinking game.
Learn more about JINRO and and its wide range of products on JINRO official social media: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok.
Rosé's latest release, APT, is currently dominating global music charts. The song, which gained additional attention through a collaboration with the renowned artist Bruno Mars, captivated listeners with its addictive lyrics and melodies. Within just five days of its release, the music video reached over 100 million views on YouTube, cementing its place at the top of trending videos and music charts worldwide. Interestingly, APT draws inspiration from a traditional Korean drinking game—let’s dive into the backstory behind this fascinating connection.
1. What Is Rosé’s APT?
During her appearance at the Saint Laurent 2025 Spring/Summer Fashion Show in Paris, Rosé shared a glimpse of Korean culture with fellow celebrities like Kiko Mizuhara, Laura Harrier, and Maika Monroe by introducing them to the “Apartment” drinking game. This moment turned out to be a playful build-up to the release of her new single.
On October 18, Rosé dropped APT, a duet with Bruno Mars, which quickly became a sensation. This track showcases Rosé’s personal touch as she contributed to both the lyrics and composition. The song borrows its theme from the widely-known “apartment game” played during Korean drinking gatherings. Notably, Rosé kept the pronunciation of the word “apartment” in Korean, repeating “Apart” throughout the chorus. This deliberate choice enhances the track’s memorability, effortlessly drawing in global audiences across language barriers.
Rosé mentioned that the song was born spontaneously one night in the studio, where she taught the staff how to play the apartment game. Their shared enjoyment inspired her to turn this experience into a song. As a result, the song not only embodies playful elements but also draws international attention to this traditional drinking game.
2. What Is the Apartment Game?
The apartment game is a simple yet thrilling activity designed to enliven social drinking settings:
Opening Chant: The game begins with participants chanting a rhythmic version of the word “apartment”, similar to the catchy lyrics in Rosé’s song.
Stacking Hands: Players place their hands, one by one, in a stack, creating a hand tower.
Leader’s Call: The game leader shouts, “What floor?”—indicating a specific hand in the stack, using it metaphorically as a building floor.
Removing Hands: Participants remove their hands in sequence until the specified floor is reached.
End of the game: The person whose hand corresponds to the called floor drink Jinro soju or Somaek mixed with Jinro soju.
This game thrives on its simplicity and tension, making it ideal for breaking the ice at parties. It’s no surprise that the APT music video captures Rosé and Bruno Mars enjoying the game while toasting with drinks.
The Deeper Meaning Behind APT
Apartments represent more than just a physical space; they reflect both community and isolation in modern life. Drinking games like the apartment game serve as social bridges, helping individuals overcome feelings of loneliness by fostering connections. In this light, APT offers more than infectious melodies—it subtly suggests a remedy for the emotional disconnects of contemporary society through music and playful interaction.
The fusion of music and drinking culture is a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional expression. By channeling this synergy, APT resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, reinforcing the universal appeal of connection through shared experiences.
The growing global popularity of Korean culture now extends beyond music and dramas to drinking games. Just as Jinro Soju has become a staple of Korean culinary exports, games like the apartment game are becoming a novel way to experience Korean drinking culture abroad. Whether through enjoying a drink or playing a lighthearted game, the essence of these traditions lies in bringing people together.
With APT, Rosé bridges the gap between cultures by blending a fun, local tradition with a global pop sound. As the world embraces diverse ways to enjoy Jinro Soju, why not try adding the apartment game to your next gathering? It’s not just about drinking—it’s about celebrating togetherness.
You can find out more here in JINRO BLOG posting about drinking game.
Learn more about JINRO and and its wide range of products on JINRO official social media: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok.