BLACKPINK's Rose has recently collaborated with Bruno Mars on a song titled “APT.,” drawing global interest and coincidentally breathing new life into Yoon Soo-il’s 1982 classic, “Apartment.” Yoon’s song, which had a surge of 190% in streaming on Genie Music, carries its legacy and symbolism, now resonating with new listeners. "It's incredible and heartwarming to see a new wave of appreciation for my song," Yoon shared.
In a lighthearted moment on SBS Radio's talk show, Yoon compared his song's resurgence to the reconstruction of apartment buildings. “Even buildings get a second chance after decades,” he joked.
Unlike today’s upbeat association, “Apartment” was originally composed as a wistful reflection on loss. Inspired by a friend’s story of visiting his girlfriend’s apartment only to discover she had moved abroad without notice, Yoon captured this sentiment through the opening lyrics, “Crossing the bridge where starlight flows, Passing through the windy reeds.”
Listeners today are reinterpreting the song’s emotional tone, and some fans have even crafted remixes blending Yoon's analog piece with Rose’s digital production. Yoon admitted he was pleasantly surprised by the compatibility, saying, "Despite the differences in sound, the two versions seem to harmonize well, and perhaps that’s why it’s gaining more attention.”
For Yoon, "Apartment" reminds him of the aspirations linked to apartment living in the 1980s. He recalls the symbolism of high-rise apartments in areas like Jamsil, a status many dreamed of attaining. This nostalgia may be one reason young audiences are still drawn to the song.
Yoon praised Rose and Bruno Mars for giving the concept a fresh, modern twist, saying, “Their song captures today’s trends perfectly. As a musician, I find it inspiring, with a sound, rhythm, and melody that are both innovative and universal.”
With an age gap akin to that of a father and daughter, Yoon humorously hinted at the possibility of a future meeting with Rose, saying, “If we ever meet, I’d be honored to share a meal, offer encouragement, and congratulate her personally.”
Yoon also thanked Rose for helping spotlight “Apartment” for new generations. “The support from those who loved my music in the past and today’s K-pop fans reminds us musicians to keep pushing boundaries.”
Yoon, who is finalizing his first full-length album in nearly a decade, is set to release it early next year. “After all this time, I want to present new music as a gift,” he shared, adding with a smile, “Thanks to Rose, I’m having a great time seeing ‘Apartment’ reach a young audience.”
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The cover of Yoon Soo Il Band's 2nd Album
BLACKPINK's Rose has recently collaborated with Bruno Mars on a song titled “APT.,” drawing global interest and coincidentally breathing new life into Yoon Soo-il’s 1982 classic, “Apartment.” Yoon’s song, which had a surge of 190% in streaming on Genie Music, carries its legacy and symbolism, now resonating with new listeners. "It's incredible and heartwarming to see a new wave of appreciation for my song," Yoon shared.
In a lighthearted moment on SBS Radio's talk show, Yoon compared his song's resurgence to the reconstruction of apartment buildings. “Even buildings get a second chance after decades,” he joked.
Unlike today’s upbeat association, “Apartment” was originally composed as a wistful reflection on loss. Inspired by a friend’s story of visiting his girlfriend’s apartment only to discover she had moved abroad without notice, Yoon captured this sentiment through the opening lyrics, “Crossing the bridge where starlight flows, Passing through the windy reeds.”
Listeners today are reinterpreting the song’s emotional tone, and some fans have even crafted remixes blending Yoon's analog piece with Rose’s digital production. Yoon admitted he was pleasantly surprised by the compatibility, saying, "Despite the differences in sound, the two versions seem to harmonize well, and perhaps that’s why it’s gaining more attention.”
For Yoon, "Apartment" reminds him of the aspirations linked to apartment living in the 1980s. He recalls the symbolism of high-rise apartments in areas like Jamsil, a status many dreamed of attaining. This nostalgia may be one reason young audiences are still drawn to the song.
Yoon praised Rose and Bruno Mars for giving the concept a fresh, modern twist, saying, “Their song captures today’s trends perfectly. As a musician, I find it inspiring, with a sound, rhythm, and melody that are both innovative and universal.”
With an age gap akin to that of a father and daughter, Yoon humorously hinted at the possibility of a future meeting with Rose, saying, “If we ever meet, I’d be honored to share a meal, offer encouragement, and congratulate her personally.”
Yoon also thanked Rose for helping spotlight “Apartment” for new generations. “The support from those who loved my music in the past and today’s K-pop fans reminds us musicians to keep pushing boundaries.”
Yoon, who is finalizing his first full-length album in nearly a decade, is set to release it early next year. “After all this time, I want to present new music as a gift,” he shared, adding with a smile, “Thanks to Rose, I’m having a great time seeing ‘Apartment’ reach a young audience.”
