When ROSÉ appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, fans didn’t just hear her open up about her journey from a shy girl in Australia to a global superstar with BLACKPINK — they also witnessed her teaching Jimmy how to play a Korean drinking game, complete with shots of soju.

From Singing at Midnight to a Life-Changing Audition

Rosé admitted that as a child, she never imagined herself as a famous singer. Growing up in Australia, the dream felt far away. But because she would sing until midnight every night, her dad finally sent her off to audition for YG Entertainment.

“My dad would hear me singing late into the night, and eventually, he just signed me up for the audition. Honestly, I thought it was a joke,” Rosé laughed.

Her very first guitar cost just $70, cheap enough that it hurt her fingers. But from her saved-up allowance, she later bought a Taylor GS Mini — still her most treasured guitar. That same guitar followed her into her YG audition, where she nervously performed Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up” — a performance that changed her life forever.

“Rosie” — An Album Backed by Bruno Mars

On the show, Rosé spoke about her debut solo album Rosie. At first, she considered naming it Number One Girl, after one of her songs. But Bruno Mars — a close friend and mentor — convinced her that “Rosie” was the only right choice, because that’s what her loved ones have always called her.

The album is deeply personal, with Rosé not only co-producing but also writing every track. “Stories come first,” she explained, describing how she often jots down ideas or texts lyrical phrases to her songwriter friends before shaping them into songs.

“APT” — From a Drinking Game to a Global Hit

Her latest hit APT has already surpassed 500 million YouTube views and held the #1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 for seven weeks straight. But the song’s origins are surprisingly down-to-earth.

“When I turned 20 — the legal drinking age in Korea — my BLACKPINK members brought every kind of alcohol they could find,” Rosé recalled. “We stayed up all night playing drinking games. APT was one of them.”

On Fallon’s stage, Rosé introduced Jimmy to the game. With the audience chanting “Apateu, apateu…” the two stacked imaginary apartment floors until Jimmy was forced to down a shot of soju, sending the crowd into laughter.

From Audition Memories to Solo Stardom

The moment Rosé raised her glass of soju and toasted, “Cheers to my new album!” felt symbolic. The girl who once thought becoming a singer was impossible now stood as a global solo artist, with a voice — and a story — inspiring millions worldwide.

Her album Rosie is out now, marking a new chapter for the BLACKPINK star — from Rosie, the girl at her family piano, to Rosé, the international icon.