BLACK PINK's ROSÉ & Bruno Mars new song!
“Sleep tomorrow but tonight go crazy All you gotta do is just meet me at the 아파트 아파트.” - ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
Introduction
If you are a fan of Kpop, you have probably heard of BLACK PINK. And if you are fan of music in general, you have probably head about Bruno Mars.
Well, they just released a collaboration song last week called APT (shortcut for Apartment). The apartment (아파트 in Korean) serves as the central location and a symbol of intimacy and connection. It's where the two are heading to hang out, have fun, and possibly take their relationship to the next level. The song is a catchy, upbeat song about the excitement and anticipation of a budding romance.
BUT! It's also one of the countless drinking games young Korean people enjoy playing at their gatherings.
Bottoms Up! A Guide to Korean Drinking Games
Strap in, because Korean drinking culture is a wild ride! Forget your beer pong and flip cup, here it's all about quick wits, a bit of luck, and a high tolerance for soju.
Drinking games are a staple of any Korean gathering, from casual hangouts to company dinners (yes, really!). They're a fun way to break the ice, loosen up, and get to know people better. But be warned, things can get pretty competitive!
The game called "아파트", which is so creatively extended into a romantic invitation in the song, is one of them. Here is how it goes.
Apartment (아파트)
Players sit in a circle, and they stack their hands one on top of each other, as if building an apartment building. The starting player says "아파트" (apartment) and a number from 1 to 100. For example, "아파트 오십육!" (Apartment 56!) The next player (going clockwise) must say a number that follows the (or is a factor of the) previously called number.
Which way the counting will be is decided depending on the company you are with and level of intoxication, I guess. However, I have been witness to many locals having a hard time standing up, but still being able to call out factors as if they were a simple nursery rhyme.
Players continue taking turns calling out numbers, and on each number, the hand that is on the bottom of the "apartment" is removed and put on the top again. Each number can only be used once per round. If a player hesitates, says a wrong number, repeats a number, or can't think of a factor, they drink! If everybody is doing so well, that the count actually gets to the pre-decided number, then the player who ends up taking their hand out from the stack at that exact point needs to drink.
Here are a few of the most popular games to get you started:
1. Baskin Robbins 31 (배스킨라빈스 31)
No, it doesn't involve ice cream (sadly). This one's all about counting. Players take turns saying numbers up to 31, with each person saying one to three numbers at a time. Whoever lands on 31 has to drink! Sounds simple, but it gets tricky fast.
2. Titanic (타이타닉)
Grab a beer glass, a shot glass, and some soju. Fill the beer glass and carefully float the shot glass inside. Players take turns pouring soju into the shot glass. Whoever sinks the "Titanic" (aka the shot glass) has to down the whole beer!
3. The Babo Game (바보 게임)
"Babo" means "fool" in Korean, and you might feel like one trying to master this game! It involves saying a number from 1 to 5 while simultaneously holding up a different number of fingers. If you say the same number as the fingers you're showing, or you don't match the previous player's finger count, you drink!
4. Soju Cap Flick (소주 뚜껑 튕기기)
After twisting the wire on a soju cap, players take turns flicking it. Whoever breaks the wire off gets to make someone else drink!
Beyond the Games:
Cheers! Don't forget to say "geonbae!" (건배) before every drink.
Respect your elders. Korean drinking culture has a strong emphasis on respect. Always pour drinks for those older than you with two hands, and receive drinks from them the same way.
Pace yourself. Soju might seem sweet, but it can sneak up on you! Drink plenty of water and know your limits.
Drinking games in Korea are a blast, but remember to drink responsibly and have fun! If you're ever unsure about the rules, just ask – most Koreans will be happy to teach you. Now go forth and conquer those drinking games (or at least try not to be the first one out)!
