Malaysia’s Ministry of Public Health Criticizes Lyrics in 'APT.'

Oct 28, 2024

Malaysia’s Ministry of Public Health Criticizes Lyrics in 'APT.'



On October 24, Malaysia's Ministry of Public Health expressed concerns on its official Facebook page regarding lyrics in the globally popular song 'APT.' by Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars, claiming they promote inappropriate behavior more common in Western cultures.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of analyzing song lyrics, especially for widely used songs on social media. They highlighted specific lyrics in 'APT.,' including lines like “Kissy face, kissy face, sent to your phone but I'm tryna kiss your lips for real,” and “Turn this apartment into a club, I’m talkin’ drink, dance, smoke, party all night,” noting these expressions could contradict Eastern cultural values.

“What is even more concerning is that this song is often used as background music on social media, becoming embedded in daily life without us noticing,” the Ministry stated. “Children may unconsciously memorize lyrics, unaware of the messages being conveyed.” They urged parents, educators, and society to be vigilant about the unfiltered influence of Western culture.



However, fans of the song suggest different interpretations, arguing that listeners should be free to analyze the lyrics and make their own judgments.

Opinions among Malaysian netizens are divided. Some agree with the Ministry’s concerns, saying, “Songs are becoming increasingly inappropriate.” Others counter, “Listening to Western music doesn’t mean adopting Western culture,” and some humorously remark, “If people take song lyrics this seriously, they’d need a mental check-up.”



Meanwhile, Rosé and Bruno Mars' 'APT.' has topped both the global and U.S. Spotify charts since its release, and the music video surpassed 100 million views on YouTube within just five days.

supremez@sportschosun.com