BLACKPINK Rosé’s “APT.” Hit With “Ban” That Proves Its Massive Success

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has struck a chord with her latest single, “APT.” The song has quickly climbed the charts and even found an unexpected place among Korea’s “banned” list of songs for students.

| YG PLUS

Known as “forbidden songs” in South Korea, these are tunes deemed too catchy or distracting to listen to while studying, especially during preparations for the grueling college entrance exam. The unofficial list of songs that students are banned from listening to includes famously addictive songs such as aespa‘s “Next Level,” Red Velvet‘s “Zimzalabim,” and SHINee‘s “Ring Ding Dong.”

10 Addictive Songs That Korean Students Were Banned From Listening To Before Their SATs

With its infectious rhythm and fun roots in Korea’s “Apartment Game,” Rosé’s song is the latest to gain this unintended title — a true testament to its irresistible charm. Even fellow K-Pop idols have said so!

Hanni from NewJeans sang Rosé’s APT and said it was too addictive “APT APT~ No ㅠㅠ the song is so addictive, it’s been stuck in my head” 😭 pic.twitter.com/xcUavtb0Ei

— 젠바🙈💕 (@blackpinkbabo) October 22, 2024

The song’s melody and playful concept have gone viral, making it easy for students to lose focus while listening to it, and “APT.” has been labeled one of those tracks that’s just too hard to shake from your head. Already, students and fans alike are warning each other online, jokingly declaring it “impossible to escape” due to its addictive nature.

the replay value of apt is crazy, not just the song but the mv too 😭 its so addictive and gets better at every listen

— ًً (@wntrgloss) October 20, 2024

just listened to APT 5x back to back it’s so addictive. cannot believe some ppl were tryna talk shit on release night dhdhdjd y’all don’t know hits

— ★ LIISA ★ (@fcknliisa) October 20, 2024

It might just be the one “ban” that every Korean artist strives to get! The label is practically a badge of honor in the Korean music scene, indicating that the track has truly caught on with listeners.

While meant as a light-hearted ban, this distinction has only fueled “APT.”’s popularity as fans and even fellow K-pop idols share their take on the song’s challenge. Ultimately, becoming a college entrance exam “forbidden song” has solidified Rosé’s latest release as more than a chart-topper — it’s an undeniable cultural phenomenon.

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