THE MEGASTAR at HER SIMPLE BEST
Simplicity must be one of Rose Blackpink’s major goals when she was embarking on the solo journey of her music career.
Prior to the release of APT in October, even fans of K-Pop and South Korean girl group Blackpink had little clues. There were a few signs but hardly noticeable. The real fanfare began after the world heard it. As soon as the song was premiered on her YouTube channel, millions of listeners went crazy.
The song is Rose’s first single of debut studio album after her departure from South Korea’s YG Entertainment. With catchy tunes, addictive hooks, and playful tempo, her voice quickly took residence rent-free in their heads. South Korean students had to put the song in their unofficial list of tunes “best avoided” while preparing for the College Scholastic Ability Test or “suneung”.
The global obsession was startling and refreshing at the same time. There was nothing fancy about the accompanying music video. It featured Bruno Mars and Rose clad in matching black leather jackets in a pinkcolored set goofing around with each other as they were dancing and singing together.
The wonder of APT (pronounced Apateu), inspired by Korean drinking game often played by people in apartments, is neither in jaw-dropping CGI techniques, mind-blowing dance moves nor glass-shattering singing pitch because there isn’t any in the video. What you’ll get is pure joy of listening to good music and good vocals. No fuss. No frills.
In many ways, the song represents Rose very well. Known as the only extrovert member with the sweetest and most sensitive nature in the group, she used to be the most underrated member despite her outstanding musical talents. But you can’t blame anyone. After all, her musical style is clearly different from that of Blackpink, not to mention the group’s focus on Girl Power message while hers is more on emotions and lessons learned from relationships and life experiences.
She seems to know that too but is undeterred. Over the years, the girl with “golden voice” as her fans call it has remained steadfast in pursuing her dreams of making music. APT is the first, followed by Number One Girl and Toxic to the End, both also showing her vocal prowess.
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