Learn to play the Korean Game APT of the song by Rosé and Bruno Mars

Released in October 2024, the song APT. is a unique collaboration between Rosé, a member of BLACKPINK, and Bruno Mars. With a sound that blends elements of pop-punk, indie rock, and electropop, the song quickly topped global music charts. However, many fans are wondering: what does “APT” mean?

The acronym is short for “Apartment,” but the song goes beyond a simple reference to a place. The inspiration comes from a popular South Korean game called Apateu (아파트), which translates to “apartment.” This social and relaxed game was the creative starting point for the collaboration between the two artists.

What is the game APT?

The game Apateu is a popular pastime in South Korea, widely used to break the ice in social situations. It is played at gatherings among friends, coworkers, or parties, serving as a relaxed way to liven up any environment.

How does the game APT work?

The rules of the game are simple but ensure laughter and interaction:

1. Formation of the circle: Participants form a circle, placing their hands in the center in a pile.
2. Choosing the number: One player shouts a number, which symbolizes the “floor” of the apartment.
3. Movement of hands: Each participant moves their hands to the top of the pile, one at a time, while everyone counts to the chosen number.
4. Determining the loser: Whoever has their hand on top when the count reaches the number must drink a shot of alcohol or complete a light challenge.

This relaxed dynamic transforms the game into a memorable moment, especially at parties or gatherings where everyone is seeking interaction and fun.

Success of the song APT.

Released on October 18, 2024, “APT.” quickly stood out on international music charts. The collaboration between Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars reached the top of the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S., remaining at number one for eight consecutive weeks.

The track also recorded impressive streaming numbers, accumulating 224.5 million global streams in its debut week. Additionally, “APT.” became a cultural phenomenon, introducing the South Korean game “Apateu” to an international audience and highlighting elements of Korean culture.

The live performance of “APT.” at the MAMA Awards 2024 further solidified the song’s success, with Rosé and Bruno Mars receiving the “Global Sensation” award for the significant impact of the song.

Rosé’s comments on APT

After recording “APT.”, Rosé of BLACKPINK expressed concerns about the song’s theme being centered around a Korean drinking game. She feared how the audience would react to this approach and even asked her team to delete the track from their devices. However, her team was already enamored with the song and convinced her to keep it. Surprisingly, “APT.” achieved global success, demonstrating that Rosé’s initial concerns did not materialize.

Origin of the song APT

The idea for the song “APT.” emerged during a studio session when Rosé of BLACKPINK introduced her team to the game. The simplicity and fun provided by the game inspired Rosé and Bruno Mars to incorporate these elements into the song.

Learn Korean with APT

We can say that the game starts as follows:

"아파트 아파트! 손을 다 올려서 15층인데 15층에 손이 올라간 사람이 걸리는 거예요."
(Apateu Apateu! Soneul da ollyeoseo 15 cheung-inde 15 cheung-e soneul ollagan sarami geollineun geo-eyo.)

“Apartment, apartment! Everyone puts their hands (one on top of the other), and if it’s the 15th floor, the person whose hand is on top on the 15th floor will be the chosen one (or will lose).”

This explanation describes the basic dynamics of the game. After the initial command (Apateu Apateu!), everyone stacks their hands and begins to count the “floors.” The chosen number defines how many times the hands must move up, and the hand on top when reaching the chosen floor belongs to the loser.

See in Korean the terms used in the game:

아파트 아파트!
Apateu, Apateu!

When starting the game, “Apartment” is said 2 to 4 times until the hands synchronize.

몇 층에 살고 싶어?
Myeot cheunge salgo sipeo? 

What floor do you want to live on? This is the phrase used by the leader to start the round.

독박자! 
Dokbakja! 

Learning Korean Numbers in the Game

The counting in the game is done in Korean, which makes the game a great opportunity to practice basic numbers. Note the difference between traditional numbers and when counting the floors using the word 층 (cheung).

• 1: 하나 (Hana) 일층 > (Il cheung)
• 2: 둘 (Dul) 이층 > (I cheung)
• 3: 셋 (Set) 삼층 > (Sam cheung)
• 4: 넷 (Net) 사층 > (Sa cheung)
• 5: 다섯 (Daseot) 오층 > (O cheung)
• 6: 여섯 (Yeoseot) 육층 > (Yuk cheung)
• 7: 일곱 (Ilgop) 칠층 > (Chil cheung)
• 8: 여덟 (Yeodeol) 팔층 > (Pal cheung)
• 9: 아홉 (Ahop) 구층 > (Gu cheung)
• 10: 열 (Yeol) 십층 > (Sib cheung)
• 11: 열하나 (Yeolhana) > 십일층 (Sib il cheung)
• 12: 열둘 (Yeoldul) > 십이층 (Sib i cheung)

Why play APT?

Besides being a fun way to interact, the game APT offers a unique opportunity to learn Korean in a cultural context. By participating, you can practice basic numbers and phrases while having fun. It is also an interesting way to explore South Korean culture and connect with local traditions in a relaxed manner.

The next time you’re with friends, try playing APT. Who knows, you might learn some words in Korean while creating good memories?