BTS makes history at 2026 VMAs without even being there
BTS made history at the 2026 MTV VMAs on Saturday night, sweeping three awards despite not attending the ceremony.
The K-pop septet won Song of the Year for “SWIM,” Best K-Pop and Best Group at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Snoop Dogg — winning every category it was nominated in.
The Song of the Year win is historic: BTS became the first K-pop group ever to win the VMAs’ top prize. “SWIM,” the lead single from their fifth studio album ARIRANG, beat nominees including Madonna x Sabrina Carpenter’s “Bring Your Love,” RAYE’s “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and “Golden” from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.
It also marked their 5th Best Group trophy, extending their own record after four consecutive wins from 2019-2022, before their military hiatus. They now have 13 VMAs in total.
The group was absent due to scheduling conflicts as they kick off their 88-show ARIRANG world tour. In a statement via BigHit Music, they said:”We sincerely thank ARMY for always showing us unwavering love and support.
‘ARIRANG’ is an album that is like a new beginning for us, so these awards are even more meaningful.”In another K-pop milestone, BLACKPINK’s Lisa won Best Pop for “Dream” feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, becoming the first Asian solo artist to win that category.
Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Madonna won Artist of the Year at the same show.
