If you haven’t already caught the latest K-hit that is “APT,” let me be the one to formally introduce you to the new global hit by Rosé from Blackpink and Bruno Mars. Not only is the track impossibly catchy, but it’s also got a deeper layer to it—one that links directly to Korean drinking culture.
What Does “APT” Mean?
“APT” stands for “Apartment,” but in the context of Rosé and Bruno Mars’ song, it draws directly from the Korean pronunciation Apateu (아파트), which is short for “apartment.” However, it’s not just about a place to live—Apateu is also the name of a popular Korean drinking game.
In this game, friends gather, stack their hands, call out a number, and count, with the unlucky (or lucky, depending on your perspective) person at the top of the stack taking a drink. The song turns this fun, social tradition into a catchy anthem, blending playful lyrics with the carefree spirit of the game .
A Little Context: How Did This Song Come to Be?
Rosé has been busy gearing up for her first full-length album Rosie, which is set to drop in December. But before the album hits the shelves (or streams), she treated her fans to a little teaser with “APT,” a collaboration with none other than pop sensation Bruno Mars .
During a late-night studio session, Rosé apparently taught the apartment game to her team, and it clicked so well that someone had the genius idea of turning it into a song. And who better to join her in this light-hearted drinking-game anthem than Bruno Mars, a guy who knows how to make a party anthem last forever? Hence, APT was born—a song that’s as much about fun as it is about cross-cultural celebration.
What Is the “Apartment” Drinking Game?
You know how some drinking games require you to think on your feet, strategise, or—heaven forbid—pay attention? Well, the “Apartment” game is not one of those. Instead, it’s all about simple movements, counting, and hoping you don’t get stuck drinking too much too fast.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the game that inspired APT.
Step 1: Game Start!
As the song goes, it all kicks off with the phrase “Apateu, apateu, apateu!” First, the person whose turn it is (let’s call them the “Leader”) announces the start of the game by yelling out a number. Everyone else then stacks their hands in the centre. Picture a human version of a Jenga tower made of hands.
Step 2: Count ‘Em Up
Once the number is announced, the person at the bottom of the hand stack moves their hand to the top. Then the second person does the same, and so on, until the counting reaches the number that was announced. Simple, right?
Step 3: Drink!
Here’s where the magic happens: whoever’s hand is at the top once the counting stops? Yep, they’re the lucky one who gets to drink. Now, whether you consider that a punishment or a reward depends entirely on what’s in your glass. (Pro tip: avoid mixing drinks if you want to survive more than a few rounds.)
And there you have it—super simple, super fun, and the perfect icebreaker for any party. If you’re feeling adventurous, try singing the chorus of APT while you play to really get into the spirit of things.
The Cultural Backstory: Why the Drinking Game Matters
What makes APT more than just a catchy tune is how it celebrates a slice of Korean drinking culture. In South Korea, drinking games aren’t just about getting drunk (although, let’s be real, that’s usually the end result); they’re about bonding, breaking the ice, and laughing at how bad your friends are at simple hand-eye coordination .
Korean drinking culture is filled with games that aim to keep things light-hearted and social. Whether it’s the Apateu game or something like the 3-6-9 game, these pastimes help people let their guard down, connect, and have a few laughs. And in the case of APT, the game has even made its way into pop culture through this infectious song, turning a local drinking custom into a global phenomenon.
