ROSÈ of K-pop sensation BLACKPINK returned to the music scene—but with a big surprise for fans.
The 27-year-old K-pop idol joined forces with 15-time GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter Bruno Mars for a song titled “APT.” inspired by a Korean drinking game called “Apartment.”
It was released in the Philippines on Friday noon, October 18, accompanied by a music video featuring the two artists, donned in black leather jackets, rocking the song in a pink studio.
Rosè also shared an Instagram story encouraging everyone to listen to “APT.” She panned the camera to Mars who was pretending to be asleep beside her.
In another Instagram story, the “On the Ground” singer and the “24K Magic” hitmaker were seen doing a peace sign pose and moving their hands on top of the other, mimicking the “Apartment” game.
The single CD is now available for pre-order via Rosè’s official website.
The Black Label, Rosè’s agency, said purchases in the United States would be eligible for the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Collab rumors
Fans earlier speculated about a potential collaboration between Rosè and Mars when the two artists shared photos together on their respective Instagram accounts.
Rosè posted a polaroid photo with Mars, sharing the night she taught the American singer-songwriter how to play a Korean drinking game.
Mars commented on her post, saying he had “so much fun.”
“Remember when you tried to kiss me? that was weird. Other than that sick pic!” he said.
Meanwhile, the pop icon posted a photo of him and Rosè stacking their hands together, apparently playing the Korean drinking game.
“So this was me hanging on for dear life after [Rosè] introduced me to this Korean drinking game and got me saucy,” Mars wrote.
“Soon after, she tried to kiss me, and I was like ‘woah Rosie! what part of the game is this?’ She was like, ‘I ain’t playin games wit you anymore lil boy! Big Rosie bout that BIDNESS!’ Shaken, I replied ‘stop Rosie, I’m scared!’ But other than that, super chill night,” he continued.
Rosè also replied to his post, “What’s wrong with [you].”
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran also commented, “Is everything alright mate?”
Several netizens, on the other hand, thought that Mars’ caption might refer to the lyrics of their collaborative song.
“Is that some part of the lyrics of your collab’s song? I hope so,” one Instagram user commented.
“I can smell something coming soon from the two of them,” another netizen commented on Rosè’s post.
Debut studio album
The news about Rosè and Mars’ collaboration came two weeks after the former announced that she would release her debut studio album titled “rosie” on December 6.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Australian-Korean singer said she poured her “blood and tears” into her forthcoming album, which she described as her “little journal.”
She also recalled her year-long process of making the album, working with songwriters and producers she met for the first time.
It was not an easy journey for the K-pop star, sharing that she fell asleep many nights “feeling confused and lost.” However, the support she received from her loved ones became her driving force to finish her first studio album.
“Rosie – is the name I allow my friends and family to call me. With this album, I hope you all feel that much closer to me,” Rosè said.
The forthcoming album will follow Rosè’s 2021 debut single album “R,” with “On The Ground” serving as its lead track.
In September, the BLACKPINK member signed a solo deal with Atlantic Records. She is the first K-pop idol to sign with the American record label, which also handles Mars, Sheeran, and other international superstars like Charlie Puth, Charli XCX, and Jason Derulo, among others.
