APT: The Intersection of Music, Culture, and Societal Resistance in a Globalized World

Music has always been a powerful tool for cultural expression, social critique, and resistance. The 2024 global hit APT by BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars exemplifies the intersection of music, culture, and societal resistance in a globalized world(ROSÉ, 2024). Drawing inspiration from the Korean drinking game “Apartment,” the song seamlessly blends playful lyrics with profound themes of rebellion, escapism, and connection. This article explores APT as a cultural artifact that reflects the challenges of modern life, critiques societal pressures, and highlights the role of music in fostering collective identity and resistance. By situating APT within broader global trends such as the “lying flat” movement, the rise of digital intimacy, and the cultural commodification of leisure, this analysis underscores music’s capacity to challenge dominant ideologies, inspire social change, and foster solidarity across cultural boundaries.

Keywords: Popular Culture, Societal Resistance, K-Pop Hybridization, Cultural Commodification, Cross-Cultural Collaborations.