Rosé of BLACKPINK has made history as the first female K-pop solo artist to top Spotify's Global chart, marking a significant milestone in her career and in the K-pop industry. Her latest single, "APT.," a collaboration with pop sensation Bruno Mars, was released on October 18 and quickly rose to No. 1 on the streaming platform. The song's infectious beat and widespread appeal propelled it to global success, solidifying Rosé's status as a record-breaking solo artist.

The song's instant virality catapulted it to the top of multiple charts, with "APT." not only conquering Spotify's global chart but also dominating South Korea's top music platforms. The single achieved a "Real-Time All Kill" (RAK), a rare and prestigious accomplishment, by hitting No. 1 on South Korea's major streaming services, including Melon, Genie, Bugs, and FLO. This milestone marked the first time a K-pop female soloist had secured such a feat on Spotify's global rankings.

Bruno Mars, who partnered with Rosé on the track, also made history with "APT.," becoming the first Western artist in 2024 to achieve a Real-Time All Kill in South Korea. The song's success speaks to the powerful combination of Mars' global appeal and Rosé's unique position as a K-pop icon. Mars and Rosé's playful dynamic has also captivated fans, who were thrilled to learn that the song was inspired by a popular Korean drinking game.

In an exclusive interview with Vogue, Rosé revealed that she initially hesitated to release a track inspired by a drinking game. "At first, I thought it might be a little too playful, and I asked my team to delete the track," she said. However, as the song developed, Rosé recognized its potential for mass appeal and decided to move forward with the release. This decision proved to be pivotal, as "APT." has since taken the global music scene by storm.

Since its release, "APT." has amassed over 34 million streams on Spotify and its music video has garnered more than 81 million views on YouTube as of October 22. The collaboration has been celebrated not only for its catchy melody and vibrant energy but also for the cultural fusion it represents, blending K-pop with Western pop influences.

Rosé's achievement is the latest in a series of successes for the BLACKPINK star, who first made her mark in the music industry as part of the girl group in 2016. Alongside fellow members Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie, Rosé has become one of the most recognizable faces in K-pop, known for her unique vocal tone and stage presence. In 2021, Rosé released her first solo project, the single album R, which featured the hit tracks "On The Ground" and "Gone." Both songs were well-received, setting the stage for her current solo endeavors.

Rosé's signing with THE BLACK LABEL, a record label founded by longtime producer Teddy, has opened new doors for her as a solo artist. She is also affiliated with Atlantic Records, home to international stars such as Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX. Rosé recently announced her upcoming debut studio album, Rosie, which is slated for release on December 6, 2024. This highly anticipated album is expected to further cement her status as one of K-pop's most successful solo acts.

The collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars has generated buzz not just for the music itself but for the friendship between the two artists. On social media, the pair have delighted fans with behind-the-scenes content and teasers about their creative process, including lighthearted posts about the Korean drinking game that inspired the song.

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