Singer Yoon Soo-il, left, and Rose. Courtesy of Atlantic Records, Korea Times file

As BLACKPINK's Rose's recent collaboration with pop star Bruno Mars on the song "APT." gains global popularity, Yoon Soo-il's 42-year-old song of the same name is also enjoying renewed attention. Yoon expressed his delight, saying, "I'm really happy and grateful to see interest in my song resurge."

In an interview on SBS Radio's talk show on Oct. 31, Yoon humorously compared the renewed attention to apartment buildings being redeveloped, saying, "After 30 or 40 years, even buildings go through reconstruction."

The song is Yoon's 1982 hit "APT," pronounced as "Apateu" in Korean. Known for its opening lyrics, "Crossing the bridge where starlight flows, Passing through the windy reeds," this song has seen a 190 percent surge in streaming on Genie Music following the release of Rose's new track.

Original 'Apateu' was a sad song

With the success of both songs, some fans have created remix versions combining Rose's "APT." with Yoon's original. Yoon said he listened to one of these remixes and was initially unsure if it would work, given that his song has an analog sound while Rose'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.

Though often used as a cheer song today, Yoon's "APT" originally had a melancholy tone.

He composed it after a friend, then a soldier, told him of visiting his girlfriend's apartment only to find that she had emigrated without a word.

Reflecting on the memory, 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 composed the song in five minutes."

Yoon Soo-il / Korea Times file

A song that fits today's trends well

When asked why younger generations are drawn to Yoon's "Apateu," beyond Rose's recent version, Yoon explained the song's cultural significance.

"Apartments were a symbol of aspiration at that time," he said, recalling the era when high-rise apartments were first appearing in areas like Jamsil in Gangnam. "It was a time when people dreamed of one day living in an apartment." He added that the nostalgia for that era has helped the original song's popularity endure.

Yoon praised Rose's take on the theme, saying, "Rose 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."

He added, "I think this appeal bridges the MZ Generation (millennials and Gen Z) with the fans of the original 'Apateu.'"

Addressing Rose, Yoon said, "There's quite an age gap — it'd be like meeting a daughter or granddaughter — but as I prepare to release new music next year, I think we might meet someday."

He added, "If we do meet, I'd love to treat her to a meal, offer encouragement and share my congratulations."

Yoon also expressed gratitude for the role Rose's song has played in enhancing the global influence of K-pop.

"The power of love from those who cherished my music 40 years ago and today's fans of K-pop fuels the creativity and ambition of musicians to take on new challenges," he said.

Yoon is currently in the final stages of producing his first full-length album in over a decade since his 24th album release in 2014. He aims to release the new album 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 Rose, 'Apateu' is also gaining love from young listeners, which has been a lot of fun," he said with a laugh.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.