Historic VMA Triumph
BTS makes historic VMA history with Song of the Year win following military reunion
Anonymous
BTS swept all three categories in which it was nominated at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, winning Song of the Year for “SWIM,” the title track of “ARIRANG,” as well as Best K-Pop and Best Group. The Song of the Year win made BTS the first K-pop group to receive the award, and its fifth Best Group trophy set a new record; the group missed the Los Angeles ceremony while touring, following its return to full-group activities after members completed mandatory military service. BTS thanked fans, and RM and J-Hope celebrated the wins online. BLACKPINK’s Lisa won Best Pop for “Dream,” becoming the first K-pop solo artist to receive the award, and thanked fans in an emotional acceptance speech.
Key Points
1
BTS was the second Asian act to win Song of the Year at the VMAs, following BLACKPINK’s Rosé, who won the previous year with “APT.” alongside Bruno Mars.
2
The Song of the Year trophy was BTS’ first major honor since reuniting as a full group after its nearly four-year hiatus.
3
In a statement, BTS described “ARIRANG” as an album marking “a new beginning” and credited ARMY for the support that helped the group win Song of the Year.
4
RM, a co-writer of “SWIM,” said the song is about facing life’s burdens and “crashing waves” and continuing to “swim through it.”
5
BTS’ world tour had been underway since April, with its South American leg scheduled to begin in Bogotá on October 2.
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