Yoon Soo Il’s legendary song “Apartment” is making a comeback 42 years after its original release, thanks to popular artist Jang Beom Jun. On November 13, Jang announced via Instagram, “Big news! Apartment will be out at 6 PM today!” revealing the long-awaited release of his remake. This fresh rendition of “Apartment” follows a recent wave of interest in the original song, spurred by Blackpink’s Rose and Bruno Mars, who recently collaborated on their version of the song, topping charts globally.
The collaboration between Rose and Bruno Mars has captivated listeners, currently holding the No. 1 position on the Billboard Global Chart for three consecutive weeks. This renewed interest has also driven Yoon Soo Il’s original 1982 song back up on domestic streaming charts. Yoon’s “Apartment” was groundbreaking for its time, a reflection on the rapid urban development and real estate boom in Seoul's Gangnam area, which highlighted feelings of social isolation amidst modernization. Its ‘adult-oriented rock’ sound, distinct from the popular trot genre, continues to resonate with fans today.
In a recent YouTube post, Jang shared that he was approached by a record label president with the idea of recreating “Apartment,” which he saw as an opportunity to bring new energy to the classic. According to Jang, “This project likely gained momentum because of Rose’s collaboration on the same track.” For the new version, Jang brings a vibrant, modern twist, introducing a lively arrangement with funky guitar riffs and a faster tempo that gives a fresh feel to the iconic song.
Listeners who previewed Jang’s version noted the upbeat feel compared to Yoon’s more reflective original. Jang’s remake captures a different emotion, with bright guitar lines and rhythmic beats, and emphasizes a spirit of energy and joy. To cater to fans of vinyl, the single will also be available as a 7-inch vinyl record, echoing the song’s classic roots and embracing retro appeal.
Jang Beom Jun first rose to fame as the leader of Busker Busker, securing second place in the popular audition show Superstar K3 in 2011. Since then, he has become renowned for hit songs like “Cherry Blossom Ending” and “Yeosu Night Sea,” both of which have become Korean pop music staples. His concerts are known for selling out in record time, leading to the term “ticket-picking,” a blend of “ticket” and “picking,” as fans scramble for limited seats.
In January of this year, Jang made headlines for implementing blockchain technology to prevent scalping and ticket resales, ensuring fair ticketing practices for his highly sought-after performances. This move further highlighted his dedication to enhancing the concert experience for his fans.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
The cover of the album, Courtesyt of the artist
Yoon Soo Il’s legendary song “Apartment” is making a comeback 42 years after its original release, thanks to popular artist Jang Beom Jun. On November 13, Jang announced via Instagram, “Big news! Apartment will be out at 6 PM today!” revealing the long-awaited release of his remake. This fresh rendition of “Apartment” follows a recent wave of interest in the original song, spurred by Blackpink’s Rose and Bruno Mars, who recently collaborated on their version of the song, topping charts globally.
The collaboration between Rose and Bruno Mars has captivated listeners, currently holding the No. 1 position on the Billboard Global Chart for three consecutive weeks. This renewed interest has also driven Yoon Soo Il’s original 1982 song back up on domestic streaming charts. Yoon’s “Apartment” was groundbreaking for its time, a reflection on the rapid urban development and real estate boom in Seoul's Gangnam area, which highlighted feelings of social isolation amidst modernization. Its ‘adult-oriented rock’ sound, distinct from the popular trot genre, continues to resonate with fans today.
In a recent YouTube post, Jang shared that he was approached by a record label president with the idea of recreating “Apartment,” which he saw as an opportunity to bring new energy to the classic. According to Jang, “This project likely gained momentum because of Rose’s collaboration on the same track.” For the new version, Jang brings a vibrant, modern twist, introducing a lively arrangement with funky guitar riffs and a faster tempo that gives a fresh feel to the iconic song.
Listeners who previewed Jang’s version noted the upbeat feel compared to Yoon’s more reflective original. Jang’s remake captures a different emotion, with bright guitar lines and rhythmic beats, and emphasizes a spirit of energy and joy. To cater to fans of vinyl, the single will also be available as a 7-inch vinyl record, echoing the song’s classic roots and embracing retro appeal.
Jang Beom Jun first rose to fame as the leader of Busker Busker, securing second place in the popular audition show Superstar K3 in 2011. Since then, he has become renowned for hit songs like “Cherry Blossom Ending” and “Yeosu Night Sea,” both of which have become Korean pop music staples. His concerts are known for selling out in record time, leading to the term “ticket-picking,” a blend of “ticket” and “picking,” as fans scramble for limited seats.
In January of this year, Jang made headlines for implementing blockchain technology to prevent scalping and ticket resales, ensuring fair ticketing practices for his highly sought-after performances. This move further highlighted his dedication to enhancing the concert experience for his fans.
