BLACKPINK's Rose Opens Up About the Weight of Online Negativity Amid Global Success of 'APT.'
2024-11-06
Author: Ming
In a candid interview with *Paper* magazine on November 4, BLACKPINK's Rose expressed her excitement for sharing Korean culture on a global stage through her hit single "APT." However, the pop star also reflected on the considerable emotional toll that negative online comments have had on her mental health.
Rose revealed that online negativity has affected her deeply, leading to a sense of vulnerability. She admitted to a habit of "doomscrolling," where she finds herself browsing through hurtful comments late into the night. “Sometimes I go down these rabbit holes of bad comments that just get into my head,” she confessed. It was these experiences that inspired a poignant track on her upcoming album, "rosie."
The emotional struggles led her to craft a song that encapsulates her vulnerability and the human desire for love and understanding. “I hated that about myself,” she shared. “I wanted to create something so disgustingly vulnerable and honest that people could see I go through these emotions just like anyone else. Even though I try to convey that nothing fazes me, every word, every comment still crushes me.”
When discussing the monumental success of her single “APT.,” Rose's face lit up, particularly when mentioning collaborating with music icon Bruno Mars. Reflecting on seeing him perform live in 2023, she was nothing short of amazed. “It felt like a whole dictionary of how to be talented,” she expressed.
After sending Mars three potential tracks, Rose was adamant that "APT." was the right choice for him, despite skepticism from others around her. She recalled her determination, stating, “I was the only one that strongly believed he would do ‘APT.’ Everyone said, ‘No, he’s not going to do it,’ but I thought, ‘What the hell!’”
Curiously, Mars was drawn to the song's concept, which revolves around a Korean drinking game where players stack their hands together like floors of an apartment. Upon hearing about it, he exclaimed, “That’s sick!”
Rose acknowledged that while the theme may have initially seemed "a little random" for an album's lead single, her instincts were spot on, as the song has skyrocketed in popularity. She attributed its success to the growing global appreciation for Korean culture, describing it as “one of the most fun cultures out there.” “To showcase that to the world is personally exciting for me,” she concluded.
As Rose navigates the pressures of fame, her commitment to authenticity and cultural representation shines through, reminding fans that even our idols face challenges on their journeys. Keep an eye out for her full-length album, "rosie," where fans are sure to encounter even more of her honest reflections on life and fame.