Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The recent release of “APT,” a song by BLACKPINK Rosé and Bruno Mars, has gained international popularity for its catchy melody, but it has been banned in South Korea. According to Koreaboo, the upbeat tune has raised concerns among students preparing for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), or suneung, as its addictive beat is believed to interfere with concentration.
The song’s repetitive lyrics and captivating rhythm have reportedly caused students to lose focus, with some fearing it may linger in their minds during the high-stakes exam scheduled for November 14.
The South Korean Ministry of Education has expressed support for schools’ decisions to prohibit the song, viewing it as a preventative measure to maintain a conducive learning environment.
Released on October 18, “APT” quickly went viral for its upbeat sound with memorable lyrics. The phenomenon of a song getting “stuck” in one’s head, commonly known as an earworm, can sometimes soothe anxiety. For students, however, earworms are often an unwelcome distraction.
Among South Korean students, sharing links to banned songs like “APT” as a prank has become a popular internet joke. These “bait” links trick users into playing songs that are notorious for their addictive qualities, causing them to loop in their heads involuntarily.
“APT” is not the first K-pop track to face restrictions in South Korean schools. Previous hits like “Next Level” by aespa, “Zimzalabim” by Red Velvet, and “Ring Ding Dong” by SHINee have all encountered similar bans, sharing a common trait of highly addictive melodies that captivate listeners.
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This phenomenon highlights K-pop’s massive influence on younger generations in South Korea. Cited from CNN Indonesia, Dankook University psychology professor Lim Myung-ho explained the situation, noting that young people are particularly susceptible to earworms due to their emotional sensitivity.
“Our psychology is more fragile than we realize, and simple, repetitive sounds can easily trigger emotional biases. Young people, especially those with less life experience, are more prone to this effect,” said Lim Myung-ho
While Rosé’s APT song popularity reflects the undeniable allure of K-pop music, it also underscores the challenge students face in maintaining focus amidst the irresistible pull of catchy tunes.
(Raidi/Agung)
