In a recent interview with Paper magazine, BLACKPINK’s Rose shared a glimpse into the challenges she faces as a global pop icon. Speaking candidly, Rose opened up about the impact of online negativity on her mental health, revealing that the experience of dealing with constant scrutiny inspired one of the tracks on her upcoming album, rosie. The album, set for release soon, will feature songs that delve into her vulnerability and complex emotions.
Rose explained that she has a habit of “doomscrolling” late at night, occasionally finding herself lost in a cycle of reading negative comments. "Sometimes, it just gets into my head," she admitted. The emotional toll of this experience led her to write a song that confronts her struggle with this aspect of her life. "I realized how vulnerable and addicted I was to this [online] world and that craving for feeling like I wanted to be loved and understood,” Rose shared. “I hated that about myself.”
In this introspective song, Rose chose to be “disgustingly vulnerable and honest,” hoping listeners would understand that, despite her superstar persona, she’s a person who experiences a full range of emotions. “Every word, every comment, it crushes me,” she admitted. This authenticity, she believes, will help listeners see a different side of her that’s often hidden behind the glamour of her career.
When discussing the album’s lead single, “APT.,” Rose’s excitement was palpable, especially as the track features Bruno Mars, one of her musical idols. She recalled seeing Mars perform live in 2023, an experience that left her “blown away” by his stage presence and vocal prowess. When she sent him three song options, she held onto a strong hope that he would choose “APT.,” despite others doubting it. “Everyone was like, ‘No, he’s not going to do it.’ But I thought, ‘What the hell!’” she said with a laugh.
Mars himself was intrigued by the song’s unique title, which Rose explained is based on a traditional Korean drinking game where players stack hands like apartment floors. “That’s sick,” Mars responded a reaction that fueled Rose’s confidence in the single’s appeal. She acknowledged that while it initially seemed like an unusual choice for a lead single, she trusted her instincts. “It’s dancey and fun,” she explained, attributes that she believed would resonate with listeners worldwide.
Reflecting on the track’s success, Rose attributed part of it to the growing influence of Korean culture. “Korean culture is, I would say, one of the most fun cultures out there,” she remarked, adding that sharing this aspect of her heritage with global audiences is personally rewarding for her.
With rosie, Rose aims to reveal a side of herself that’s raw and unfiltered, encouraging fans to see beyond the spotlight. In confronting her personal insecurities and the pressures of fame, she hopes to create a body of work that resonates on a deeply human level. This album, a blend of cultural pride and personal reflection, promises to be one of her most intimate projects yet.
Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com
