Call Her Daddy

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

January 28, 2026

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  • Rosé's initial move to Korea at 15 for idol training was marked by intense isolation, symbolized by crying alone in the shower to hide vulnerability from fellow trainees. 
  • Rosé defines freedom as anonymity, a stark contrast to her current life, and dreams of simple, unobserved activities like going to a theme park with a boyfriend. 
  • The decision for Blackpink members to pursue solo careers after their contract ended was a healthy, evolved discussion allowing them to explore their individuality after years of intense group focus. 
  • Rosé detailed how paranoia from media scrutiny led her to adopt an elaborate disguise as an elderly woman to date privately, highlighting the extreme measures celebrities take to maintain anonymity. 
  • Rosé prefers dating people within the industry because their shared experiences make them more understanding of the unique pressures she faces, contrasting with the feeling of being an 'alien' around those outside the industry. 
  • Despite finding vulnerability through her solo album, Rosé admitted she still experiences immediate fear and self-censorship when asked personal questions, such as about her current relationship status, due to anticipated media backlash. 

Segments

Early Life and YG Audition
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(00:05:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé was encouraged by her father to audition for YG despite feeling unprepared, and she was shocked to place first.
  • Summary: Discussion about Rosé’s father encouraging her to audition for YG Entertainment, her initial lack of confidence, and her surprise at ranking first among thousands of applicants.
Moving to Korea Alone
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(00:08:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The initial excitement of moving to Korea at 15 quickly turned to shock and loneliness when her parents left her at the YG building.
  • Summary: Rosé describes the emotional impact of moving to a new country alone at 15 to begin training, detailing the moment her parents departed and she broke down in private.
Harsh Trainee Life Realities
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(00:12:26)
  • Key Takeaway: The trainee system involved intense, non-stop work with no concept of rest, and trainees had virtually no privacy.
  • Summary: Details on the 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. training schedule, the lack of personal time, and how Rosé sought privacy only in the shower to cry.
Freedom is Anonymity
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(00:14:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé dreams of being anonymous to experience normal life activities, like going to a theme park and having a public romantic moment.
  • Summary: Rosé explains that fame prevents her from experiencing normal life. She shares her fantasy of being anonymous for a day to enjoy simple, cheesy romantic moments.
Cultural Identity Struggle
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(00:21:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé felt alienated both in Australia (as different) and in Korea (as not ‘Korean enough’), but now embraces her mixed background as her superpower.
  • Summary: The conversation covers the culture shock of moving from Australia to Korea and the feeling of not fully belonging in either culture, leading to a realization of self-acceptance.
Rosé vs. Rosie Personas
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(00:26:38)
  • Key Takeaway: ‘Rosé’ is the pop star character, while ‘Rosie’ is closer to her true self, which she explored in her solo album.
  • Summary: Rosé discusses the difference between her stage persona and her private self, noting that her solo album was a journey of self-discovery, and she initially disliked the name ‘Rosé’.
Vulnerability in ‘Number 1 Girl’
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(00:50:37)
  • Key Takeaway: The song ‘Number 1 Girl’ was written out of deep embarrassment and sadness following negative online comments after a glamorous event.
  • Summary: Rosé details the inspiration behind the ‘disgustingly vulnerable’ song, stemming from feeling inadequate and reading critical comments on Instagram, contrasting with the expected ‘boss girl’ image.
Navigating Toxic Relationships
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(00:55:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Writing about toxic relationships was healing because it allowed her to acknowledge and laugh at her emotions, even though she still struggles with the shame society places on vulnerability.
  • Summary: Discussion on how writing honestly about toxic relationships helped her accept her flaws, despite societal pressure to always appear strong and self-respecting.
Protecting Partners Privately
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(01:02:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé keeps romantic partners private primarily to protect them from public scrutiny and attacks, as she feels she is better equipped to handle the attention.
  • Summary: Rosé explains her decision to keep relationships private, noting that while she trusts her own ability to handle fame, she fears the impact on loved ones.
Reflecting on Toxic Paranoia
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(01:04:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé realized a past partner’s career focus was actually paranoia and control.
  • Summary: Discussion about a toxic relationship where the partner was overly paranoid, making Rosé feel she couldn’t be seen out, which she initially mistook for dedication to his job.
Gaslighting and Normalcy Comparison
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(01:06:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Past gaslighting made Rosé question what normal relationship behavior was.
  • Summary: Rosé discusses how being gaslighted into believing she couldn’t go anywhere with an ex made her suspicious of later, healthier partners who were fine with public visibility.
Granny Disguise for Dates
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(01:08:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé adopted an elderly woman disguise for six months to avoid paparazzi.
  • Summary: Rosé details the extreme lengths she went to for anonymity, including ordering wigs and studying elderly women’s fashion to dress up for dates.
Dating Industry vs. Outside
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(01:11:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé prefers dating within the industry because outsiders don’t understand her experience.
  • Summary: Rosé explains feeling like an ‘alien’ when dating non-industry people due to her unique upbringing, preferring partners who ‘get it.’
Fear of Public Relationship Status
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(01:14:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Answering questions about current dating life triggers intense anxiety about public scrutiny.
  • Summary: Rosé reacts strongly to being asked if she is seeing someone, explaining the fear that any answer will be twisted by the media and used against her.
Vulnerability Reducing Criticism
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(01:18:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Being vulnerable through her album reduced online criticism directed at her team’s styling choices.
  • Summary: Rosé discusses how explaining her album’s meaning helped stop fans from harassing her hair and makeup team about her looks.
The Meaning of ‘Apate’
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(01:22:55)
  • Key Takeaway: ‘Apate’ refers to the Korean cultural tradition of celebrating turning 20 with heavy drinking.
  • Summary: Rosé explains the cultural significance of the chant in her song ‘Apate’ and why she initially hid the track from her team.
Hiding Successful Songs
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(01:24:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé tends to downplay her best songs to gauge raw, unhyped reactions from trusted listeners.
  • Summary: Rosé notes a pattern where her most successful songs are the ones she initially tries to hide or present as ‘rough drafts.’
Future Dreams and Peace
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(01:36:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé’s future dream is to find a state of peace, regardless of career status.
  • Summary: Rosé reflects on her future, hoping to be inspired, creative, and peaceful in 10 or 20 years, even if her path changes drastically.
Hope for Future Openness
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(01:38:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Rosé feels safer opening up with Alex Cooper but still reverts to fear afterward.
  • Summary: Rosé expresses sadness about leaving but acknowledges that the conversation gave her confidence, though she still worries about how her words will be used online.