On September 18, 2025, Rosé of BLACKPINK and global superstar Bruno Mars officially shattered YouTube history as their collaboration APT. surpassed 2 billion views.
What makes this milestone extraordinary is the speed: APT., released on October 18, 2024, reached the record-breaking figure in just 10 months, making it the fastest music video ever to hit 2 billion views on YouTube.
This achievement cements Rosé as the only K-pop soloist to hold such a title, continuing the billion-view legacy of BLACKPINK. For comparison, the group’s mega-hit DDU-DU DDU-DU took five years to reach the same milestone, while APT. did so in less than a year.
“APT. is more than just a viral track it’s a global cultural phenomenon,” noted fans as celebrations erupted across social media platforms.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect: the YouTube milestone came only days after Rosé won Song of the Year at the VMAs 2025 with APT.. In the span of two weeks, the Australian-born singer has written K-pop history not once but twice.
The track’s appeal lies in its modern R&B sound, catchy hook, and the seamless blend of Rosé’s unique vocal tone with Bruno Mars’ signature flair. Beyond its sound, APT. carries subtle cultural references, with Rosé singing the Korean word “apateu” (apartment) in its addictive chorus, drawing inspiration from Korea’s drinking game culture.
From its release, the single debuted at #1 on Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S., holding the top spot for 15 consecutive weeks. In Korea, it achieved a Perfect All-Kill, marking Rosé’s first solo PAK.
On Spotify, APT. made waves by surpassing 1 billion streams in only 100 days—the fastest for any K-pop artist. Meanwhile, on YouTube, it smashed previous records by hitting 1 billion views in just 105 days, overtaking PSY’s Gangnam Style.
With APT., Rosé has not only solidified her solo star power but also helped push K-pop further onto the global stage. The song stayed 29 weeks on the UK Official Singles Chart and remains one of the most discussed tracks worldwide.
Simply put, APT. is not just a hit—it’s a historic cultural moment, redefining what a K-pop artist can achieve on the world stage.
Sources: K14
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