BTS's latest track 'SWIM' and the theme song 'Golden' from K-Pop Demon Hunters have both been nominated for 'Song of the Year' at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA), raising anticipation among fans and industry watchers alike.
This year's 'Song of the Year' category at the VMA features seven nominees in total, with the winner to be selected through online fan voting. The nomination of two K-pop acts in this major award category marks a notable shift, as the influence of K-pop continues to reshape the world of US music awards.
Just last year, Rosé and Bruno Mars's track 'APT.' became the first song by a K-pop artist to win 'Song of the Year' at the VMA. Now, attention turns to whether K-pop can secure the trophy for a second year in a row, with both BTS and K-Pop Demon Hunters in the running.
The VMA first introduced a 'Best K-pop' category in 2019, which immediately sparked controversy. At the time, many fans criticized the move for segregating K-pop from the show's main awards, and hashtags like "#VMAsRacist" and "#VMAsXenophobic" trended as fans voiced their frustration. Despite these concerns, BTS later won four VMA awards the following year, including 'Best Pop' for their song 'ON'.
Seven years later, the conversation about category boundaries continues. This year, 'Best K-pop' nominees include BLACKPINK, CORTIS, LE SSERAFIM, Cats Eye, LISA, and BTS's 'SWIM'. The fact that 'SWIM' is recognized in both the genre-specific and main categories reflects how far K-pop's reach has expanded at the VMA.
Debate over genre-based recognition has also surfaced at the Grammy Awards, which recently announced an 'Asian Pop' category. BTS made headlines by declining to submit entries for the Grammys this year, a move that drew attention from both fans and critics in Europe and beyond. Some, including Yale professor Grace Kao, questioned whether grouping diverse music under 'Asian Pop' is appropriate, while the Grammys explained that artists can submit to both the new and main categories.
The ongoing discussions reflect K-pop's growing presence in global music, as US award shows continue to adapt their categories to accommodate shifting industry dynamics. With 'Song of the Year' nominations and continued debate over genre divisions, K-pop's evolving status remains in the spotlight at major international events.
