Korean singer Yoon Soo-il’s 1982 hit ‘A.P.T.’ is enjoying renewed attention. Some fans remixed the two songs – and he’s grateful to Rosé
As the recent collaboration of Blackpink’s Rosé with pop star Bruno Mars on the song “APT” gains global popularity, Yoon Soo-il’s 42-year-old song of the same name is also enjoying renewed attention.
Yoon expressed his delight, saying: “I’m really happy and grateful to see interest in my song resurge.”
The song is Yoon’s 1982 hit “A.P.T”. Known for its opening lyrics, “Crossing the bridge where starlight flows/Passing through the windy reeds”, this song has seen a 190 per cent surge in streaming on streaming service Genie Music following the release of Rosé’s new track.
With the success of both songs, some fans have created remix versions combining Rosé’s “APT” with Yoon’s original.
Yoon said he listened to one of these remixes and was initially unsure if it would work, given that his song has an analogue sound while Rosé’s uses digital production.
“I was surprised at how well they actually blended, which might be why it’s getting more attention now,” Yoon said.
Rosé and Bruno Mars did a great job making a song about apartments that aligns with today’s trends
Although often used as a cheer song today, Yoon’s “Apateu” originally had a melancholy tone.
He composed it after a friend, then a soldier, told him of visiting his girlfriend’s apartment only to find that she had emigrated without a word.
Reflecting on the memory, Yoon said: “I wrote on a piece of paper, ‘Your lonely apartment that you left behind’, and tucked it in my back pocket. I went home and composed the song in five minutes.”
When asked why younger generations are drawn to Yoon’s “Apateu” beyond Rosé’s recent version, he explained the song’s cultural significance.
“Apartments were a symbol of aspiration at that time,” he said. “It was a time when people dreamed of one day living in an apartment.” He added that the nostalgia for that era has helped the original song’s popularity endure.
Yoon praised Rosé’s take on the theme, saying: “Rosé and Bruno Mars did a great job making a song about apartments that aligns with today’s trends. As a lifelong musician, I find the sound, beat and melody line incredibly appealing, which explains why it’s loved worldwide.”
Addressing Rosé, Yoon said: “There’s quite an age gap – it’d be like meeting a daughter or granddaughter – but as I prepare to release new music next year, I think we might meet someday.”
He added, “If we do meet, I’d love to treat her to a meal, offer encouragement and share my congratulations.”
Yoon also expressed gratitude for the role Rosé’s song has played in enhancing the global influence of K-pop.
Thanks to Rosé, ‘Apateu’ is also gaining love from young listeners, which has been a lot of fun
“The power of love from those who cherished my music 40 years ago and today’s fans of K-pop fuels the creativity and ambition of musicians to take on new challenges,” he said.
Yoon is currently in the final stages of producing his first full-length album in over a decade. He aims to release the new album early next year.
“I’ve been working with the idea of presenting new music as a gift to everyone after such a long time. Thanks to Rosé, ‘Apateu’ is also gaining love from young listeners, which has been a lot of fun,” he said with a laugh.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.