On November 21, 2024, BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and global superstar Bruno Mars took the stage in Osaka, Japan, to perform their smash-hit collaboration “APT.” live for the very first time. Mnet had announced ahead of the event that the artists would deliver the “world’s first performance” of the track at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, one of the K-pop industry’s most prestigious annual ceremonies. South China Morning Post
The duo brought serious style to the stage, rocking matching oversized grey suits as they sang the high-energy track, backed by a live band and supporting singers. The performance marked the first-ever live rendition of the international hit, which serves as the lead single from ROSÉ’s debut solo album, “Rosie.” BillboardThat Grape Juice
The moment carried extra weight given the song’s meteoric rise since its release. Inspired by a South Korean drinking game, “APT.” was released in October 2024, and its music video has racked up nearly 400 million views on YouTube. Its catchy chant of “apateu” — meaning apartment in Korean — sparked a viral social media dance craze and became one of the most popular tracks on TikTok. The song’s success wasn’t limited to social media, either — it stormed into the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10, marking the first time any solo K-pop female act had achieved that milestone. The track also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, becoming the first song by a Western act to top the Japan chart in more than 11 years. South China Morning Post + 3
Following their electrifying performance, ROSÉ and Mars were honored with the ceremony’s Global Sensation award. Accepting the trophy, ROSÉ told the crowd she had written the song based on her favorite drinking game and never imagined it would be loved this much, thanking fans for their support, while Mars followed with a sweet thank-you delivered in Korean. Billboard
The night marked Bruno Mars’ first-ever appearance at the MAMA Awards, making the collaborative win and performance an especially memorable milestone for both artists. Notably, the pair’s chemistry and the song’s massive success didn’t stop there — “APT.” went on to also win the MAMA Award for Best Collaboration the following year, in 2025. For fans worldwide, the 2024 MAMA stage remains one of the definitive moments in the song’s record-breaking global takeover. IMDbWikipedia
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