Spark Study Buddy (Challenger): Rosé x Bruno Mars hit ‘APT’ revives interest in 80s tune
The story on this page has some tougher vocabulary words and questions to improve your understanding and English grammar
A new collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars has sparked interest in an 1982 song of the same name. Photo: HandoutContent provided by British Council
[1] Blackpink’s Rosé and pop star Bruno Mars recently worked together on a song named “APT” that is gaining global popularity. Yoon Soo-il’s 42-year-old song of the same name is also attracting attention again. Yoon expressed his delight, saying: “I’m really happy and grateful to see interest in my song resurge.”
[2] The song is Yoon’s 1982 hit “APT”, pronounced as “Apateu” in Korean. The track is 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 Genie Music’s streaming service following the release of Rosé’s new track.
[3] Some fans have created remix versions combining Rosé’s “APT” with Yoon’s original. Yoon said he initially wasn’t sure the remixes would work. His uncertainty came from the fact 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.
[4] Although often seen as a cheerful song today, Yoon’s originally had a sad tone. He composed it after a friend, then a soldier, told him about visiting his girlfriend’s apartment, only to find out that she had left the country without telling him. Remembering the time, 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 wrote the song in five minutes.”
[5] 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.”
[6] Addressing Rosé, Yoon said: “There’s quite an age gap – it’d be like meeting a daughter or granddaughter – but ... if we do meet, I’d love to treat her to a meal, offer encouragement and share my congratulations.”
[7] Yoon is currently in the final stages of producing his first full-length album in over a decade. He aims to release it 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.
Source: The Korea Times, November 5
Questions
1. According to paragraph 1, who did Rosé work on the song “APT” with?
2. Paragraph 2 describes …
A. Rosé’s song.
B. the original “APT” song.
C. Genie Music.
D. none of the above
3. In paragraph 3, why did Yoon initially doubt the remix of his song would work with Rosé’s version?
4. According to paragraph 4, Yoon wrote “APT” based on
A. his own life experiences.
B. another song.
C. a friend’s story.
D. a war film.
5. When was the last time Yoon released a full-length album according to paragraph 7?
6. Rewrite the lyrics in paragraph 2 in past tense.
Answers
1. Bruno Mars
2. B
3. His song had an analogue sound while Rosé’s uses digital production.
4. C
5. over a decade
6. Crossed the bridge where starlight flowed/Passed through the windy reeds