Alex Cooper Presents: A Grammy Special (ft. Rosé)

Key Takeaways

Rosé detailed her challenging journey from a 15-year-old YG trainee to a global K-pop idol.
She discussed Blackpink's strategic break, new contract, and their strong, "sister-like" group dynamics.
Rosé navigated her bicultural identity and the unique challenges of public figure privacy in Korea.
Her solo music explores deep vulnerabilities and healing from toxic relationships, resonating with fans.
Rosé teased upcoming new music, a desire for a solo tour, and her evolving future aspirations.

Rosé recounted her audition for YG Entertainment, where she ranked first among thousands of applicants.
At 15, she moved to Korea alone for the trainee program, finding the experience both dramatic and intimidating.
Trainee life involved intense 24/7 training in singing, dancing, language, and PR, with minimal rest.
She sought privacy in the shower to cry, reflecting the isolation and emotional toll of being a teenage trainee away from home.

Rosé guided host Alex Cooper to a traditional Korean street food establishment, a Pojangmacha, an experience typically inaccessible to her due to fame.
The two toasted and explored Korean drinking culture, with Rosé demonstrating how to prepare 'somik' (soju mixed with beer).
Rosé prefers vodka over tequila and presented traditional Korean dishes, including a vegetable omelet and kimchi stew.

Rosé discussed feeling like an outsider in Australia due to her Korean heritage, then facing questions of 'Korean-ness' upon moving to Korea.
She expressed gratitude for immersing herself in Korean culture, finding similarities with people, and feeling at home anywhere.
Rosé tried a spicy dried squid dish, an experience that broadened her culinary horizons and paired well with beer.

Rosé uses her studio as a space to process intense emotions and experiences, treating her music like a journal.
She shared an anecdote about rediscovering an unreleased, vulnerable song that she initially found too revealing but later recognized as an honest reflection.
Emotions and experiences often pass quickly, making songs written in a moment of strong feeling feel different later.

Blackpink took a break in late 2023 for individual pursuits, a decision discussed over multiple tour conversations to balance group and personal growth.
Rosé stated they were not nervous about the announcement, having a plan to reunite and fulfill tour promises, acknowledging fan speculation.
The new contract took longer to negotiate, focusing on benefiting the group's business and individual development.
Rosé described Blackpink members as sisters, best friends, and family, emphasizing their unique and solid bond.
She shared her solo album, including '3 a.m.', with Lisa and Jennie during their individual travels, noting their positive reactions.

Rosé described her Grammy-nominated song 'One (Monster)' as "disgustingly vulnerable," stemming from feelings of comparison and uncertainty.
She explained that expressing negative feelings in a studio session resonated with fans by acknowledging the private desire for validation and acceptance.
Rosé revealed a tendency to tolerate mistreatment due to a desire for validation, a process she is still navigating in her 20s.
Writing about toxic relationships and difficult emotions is a healing process, contrasting with societal pressures to appear confident.

Rosé maintains a key boundary: she will not tolerate a partner who is unkind to her friends and family.
She admitted feeling "let down" in most past relationships and keeping romantic partners private to protect them from public scrutiny.
A past partner exhibited paranoia about her privacy, questioning her openness, which Rosé viewed as controlling behavior.

Rosé prefers dating individuals within the entertainment industry who understand the demands of her profession.
She expressed discomfort with paparazzi and constant public attention, preferring a more controlled public image.
The guest humorously shared her extreme efforts to avoid paparazzi, including dressing as an elderly woman with a wig.
Rosé discussed her internal conflict between societal expectations and her personal desire for privacy regarding her relationship status.

Rosé initially had her producers delete her song 'Apate' due to fear and uncertainty about its cultural relevance and potential for misinterpretation.
She hesitated to release 'Apate' because of its significant incorporation of Korean cultural elements and chants.
Rosé often downplays songs she believes are strong, presenting them as "rough" to gauge genuine audience reactions, acknowledging this as a way to test her own beliefs.

Rosé surprised her team with her Grammy nomination while in pajamas in Korea, almost missing the announcement.
She discussed Blackpink's upcoming album and new music, including a song called "Jump" featuring CGI in its music video.
Rosé expressed a desire to tour solo but feels she needs more time to develop a cohesive stage show with additional music.
She described her future dreams as fluid, focusing on finding happiness and peace through music, crafts, and other pursuits.