A Korean drinking game-inspired collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and pop star Bruno Mars has become a global sensation, with their new single “APT.” (Image courtesy of the Black Label)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – In South Korea, high school senior Nam, 18, is doing everything possible to avoid listening to “APT.,” the new collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars. Despite the song’s global success, with its infectious melody and repetitive lyrics captivating listeners worldwide, Nam sees it as something best kept at arm’s length.
“I’m worried the song might pop into my head during the exam,” Nam said. “Adults might laugh at such concerns, but when you’re facing such a crucial test, it becomes a real source of anxiety.”
With just 18 days until the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), South Korea’s high-stakes college entrance exam, students are taking extraordinary precautions to avoid what they call “CSAT forbidden songs” – catchy tunes that could disrupt their concentration during the test.
These “forbidden songs” are typically K-pop hits with highly repetitive choruses that students fear could become stuck in their heads. SHINee’s “Ring Ding Dong,” with its memorable chorus of “ring ding dong ring ding dong ring digidigidingding,” is considered the quintessential example.
Other songs on the unofficial blacklist include SS501′s “U R Man,” Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb,” and even the children’s song “Baby Shark.” According to students, while idol group songs make up the majority of these forbidden tracks, commercial jingles also feature prominently on the list.
Recent additions to the list include aespa’s “Supernova,” BIBI’s “Bam Yang Gang,” and Choi Yena’s “Nemo Nemo.”
“I avoid cafes playing pop music and stick to quiet study spaces,” said Choi, another 18-year-old senior. “I’ve even deleted music apps like YouTube Music and plan to stay away from songs until after the CSAT.”
Moon Hyun-jun, 19, expressed similar concerns: “I try not to let it affect me, but when you hear stories about someone failing a practice test because a song got stuck in their head, you can’t help but worry.”
The phenomenon has become so widespread that online communities now ban users who deliberately post links to these “forbidden songs” to trick test-takers into clicking them. Multiple posts from banned accounts serve as cautionary tales for would-be pranksters.
“I accidentally saw lyrics to one of these songs online, and now they won’t leave my head,” one student wrote in an online forum. “How do I get rid of it?”
This experience, known as the “earworm phenomenon,” can actually have positive effects for non-test-takers by helping relax an overstressed brain, experts say. However, for students preparing for the CSAT, these musical intrusions represent a significant source of anxiety.
“Our minds are more fragile than we think, and simple, repetitive tunes can easily create emotional bias,” said professor Im Myung-ho of Dankook University’s Psychology Department.
“Teenagers, with their limited life experience, are particularly susceptible to the earworm phenomenon.”
To combat these unwanted musical intrusions, Im recommends listening to calming classical music or practicing light meditation, breathing exercises, and stretching to manage anxiety.
“It’s also helpful to develop a personal routine during practice tests,” he added, suggesting that students find strategies that work for them during their preparation period.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
