On February 3, 2026, global superstar Bruno Mars took to his Instagram Story to share a moment that quickly went viral across the K-pop community and beyond.
The “Die With A Smile” singer posted a photo of a South Korean newspaper featuring a prominent headline about his collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Rosé, the smash hit “APT.”
This move was seen by many as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the song’s massive impact in South Korea and its role in bringing Korean culture—specifically the “apartment” drinking game—to a global audience.
The 2026 Grammy Awards Performance
The viral post came just days after Bruno Mars and Rosé delivered an electrifying opening performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1. Channelling a pop-punk aesthetic, the duo performed “APT.” in front of the music industry’s biggest names, including Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, who were seen dancing in the audience.
Although “APT.” was nominated for three major categories—Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—it surprisingly did not take home any trophies, leading to intense debate among fans online.
Also Read: BTS Fans Criticize Bruno Mars for Omitting Group’s Global Impact in Recent Interview
Debunking Fallout Rumors
The Instagram Story also served as a silent rebuttal to “feud” rumors that had begun to circulate following their Grammy shutout.
Fake screenshots had briefly gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting that Mars had unfollowed or even blocked Rosé on Instagram after the loss.
However, fans quickly pointed out that Mars had never followed Rosé to begin with, and the two were later spotted celebrating with pizza and attending an after-party in West Hollywood together.
By posting the Korean newspaper, Mars reinforced his pride in the project and his ongoing friendship with the “Big Bad Rosie.”
“APT.”’s Cultural and Commercial Legacy
While the Grammys were a night of “snubs” for the duo, the commercial success of “APT.” remains undisputed. By early 2026, the track had:
- Spent 12 weeks atop the Billboard Global 200.
- Become the fastest music video by an Asian act to reach one billion views on YouTube.
- Achieved ten weeks at number one on the Circle Digital Chart in South Korea.
- Won “Song of the Year” honors at the 2025 MTV VMAs and the 2024 Asia Artist Awards.
Also Read: Rosé and Bruno Mars Claim Triple Crown on Inkigayo with “APT”
A Bridge Between Worlds
Bruno Mars’ decision to showcase the Korean press highlights his appreciation for the unique cultural roots of “APT.”
During his 2025 interview with Billboard, Mars noted his fascination with the Korean drinking game that inspired the song, and his recent social media activity confirms that he views the collaboration as a career highlight despite the lack of a Grammy win.
As the song continues to be a staple on global charts, Mars and Rosé have proven that cultural exchange in music can create a viral phenomenon that transcends industry awards and unites fandoms across the globe.
