Rose Scripts History As First K-Pop Artist To Win BRIT Awards For ‘APT’

Rosé has shattered the glass ceiling for K-pop in the United Kingdom, becoming the first-ever Korean artist to win at the BRIT Awards. At the ceremony held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Manchester’s Co-op Live, Rosé took home the prestigious International Song of the Year for her global viral sensation, “APT.” (featuring Bruno Mars).

The win marks a monumental shift in the British music industry’s recognition of global pop movements and solidifies Rosé’s status as a powerhouse solo artist.

The Emotional Acceptance Speech

A visibly moved Rosé took to the stage to a standing ovation, delivering a speech that balanced humility with deep gratitude:

• The “Mentor” Bruno Mars: Rosé accepted the award on behalf of both herself and Bruno Mars, calling him her “biggest mentor and best friend.”
• BLACKPINK Shout-out: She touched the hearts of ‘BLINKS’ worldwide by thanking her bandmates—Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa—stating, “Thank you for always inspiring me.”
• The Creative Pillar: She gave a special mention to her longtime producer Teddy Park (“Teddy Oppa”), recognizing his role in her musical evolution.

Red Carpet: The Saint Laurent Muse

As the global face of Saint Laurent, Rosé’s red-carpet appearance was a masterclass in “Quiet Luxury”:

• The Gown: A custom black Saint Laurent one-shoulder dress featuring intricate knot detailing and a dramatic thigh-high slit.
• The Details: Styled with sheer black stockings and contrasting white heels, she maintained her signature “minimal glam” aesthetic with dewy skin and soft blonde curls.

‘APT.’ – A Global Juggernaut

Since its release in late 2025, “APT.” has become a cultural phenomenon:

• The Inspiration: Based on a popular Korean drinking game (Apateu), the song’s infectious “Apateu, Apateu” hook dominated TikTok and Reels for months.
• Chart Success: It spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, making this BRIT win a statistical inevitability for many trade analysts.
• Bruno Mars Collaboration: The track is the most-streamed collaboration of 2025-2026, bridging the gap between Western funk-pop and K-pop sensibilities.

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