The recent release of BLACKPINK’s Rosé collaboration track “APT.” with Bruno Mars on October 18 has sparked a renewed global interest in Yoon Soo Il‘s iconic song “Apartment” from 1982. Veteran singer Yoon Soo Il expressed his joy over the sudden resurgence, sharing his gratitude and excitement for the song’s revival in popularity after four decades.

Yoon Soo Il Reflects on the Revival of His Classic Hit

In an interview on October 31 on SBS Radio’s ‘Kim Tae Hyun’s Political Show,’ Yoon Soo Il humorously likened the resurgence of his song to the redevelopment of apartments: “Even regular apartments are redeveloped or rebuilt after 30 or 40 years.” He explained that seeing his music embraced again by younger generations was both surprising and deeply meaningful.

As Rosé’s rendition of “Apartment” has gained traction, fans and netizens have creatively combined Rosé’s digital version with Yoon Soo Il’s original analog version, producing remixes that have caught the veteran singer’s attention. Yoon commented, “My song was created with an analog sound during the analog era, while now we’re in the digital age. I was initially unsure if they’d mesh well, but it turned out to be a good blend. I think that’s why it’s attracting so much interest.”

The Story Behind Yoon Soo Il’s “Apartment”

Contrary to its upbeat sound, Yoon Soo Il originally wrote “Apartment” as a sad song, drawing inspiration from a friend’s heartbreak. The song was based on a story of a friend who, while serving as a soldier, visited his girlfriend’s apartment only to discover she had left the country without notice. Reflecting on the creation of his song, Yoon shared, “I wrote, ‘You couldn’t stay in your lonely apartment and left,’ on a scrap of paper after having a drink with my friend. When I got home, I composed the song in five minutes.”

Yoon also shared insight into the song’s cultural relevance, explaining that in the 1980s, apartments were emerging as symbols of aspiration in South Korea. At the time, apartments were just starting to appear in areas like Jamsil, capturing a dream that many people aspired to. Today, apartments are commonplace, yet the song’s charm and nostalgic resonance continue to attract listeners from all walks of life.

Yoon Soo Il’s Thoughts on Rosé’s Version and K-Pop’s Global Influence

Yoon Soo Il expressed deep admiration for Rosé and Bruno Mars’ creative reinterpretation of the concept of “apartment.” He remarked that Rosé’s rendition aligns well with modern tastes, incorporating sounds and melodies that appeal to audiences worldwide. He shared, “Rosé created a fresh take on the concept of ‘apartment’ with Bruno Mars, aligning it well with current trends. As someone who’s dedicated my life to music, I can say the sound, beat, and melody line are crafted to be appealing worldwide. That’s why both the MZ generation and fans of the original song enjoy it.”

Looking forward, Yoon expressed a hope to meet Rosé, noting the generational difference between them. “She’s like a daughter or granddaughter to me, so it’s a bit of an age gap to meet her, but as I start new activities with a new album next year, I think we might cross paths someday,” he shared. “When we do, I’d love to treat her to a meal, offer warm encouragement, and extend my congratulations.”

Yoon concluded by highlighting the broader impact of K-pop, expressing gratitude for Rosé’s influence in spreading Korean culture globally. He observed that K-pop’s influence continues to inspire musicians and enrich South Korea’s cultural standing, saying, “Thanks to Rosé’s version of ‘Apartment,’ the global standing of K-pop has risen, gaining recognition and influence. The love from those who cherished my music 40 years ago and the fans of today’s K-pop is a driving force for musicians who venture into creative challenges and produce new music, and I’m immensely grateful for that.”

Looking Ahead: Yoon Soo Il’s Gratitude and Vision for Future Music

Reflecting on the renewed attention his song has received, Yoon Soo Il expressed hope that future generations of musicians will continue building on South Korea’s musical legacy. “With the public’s ongoing interest and support, I believe that future generations of musicians will create even better songs, elevating our country’s cultural standing.”

For more updates on BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Yoon Soo Il, tune in to Vviptimes.