What BTS and LISA Showed: K-Pop Wins Beyond Its Own Category

K-pop group BTS and BLACKPINK's LISA both won major categories at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, moving beyond the genre-specific Best K-Pop category and into the show's broader awards. BTS took Song of the Year, while LISA won Best Pop.

At the ceremony held on September 27 local time, BTS won three awards: Song of the Year and Best K-Pop for "SWIM," as well as Best Group. LISA took Best Pop for her solo track "Dream," beating entries from Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.

For BTS, the Song of the Year win carries extra weight because it comes after the group's return as a full lineup following its members' military service. Interest in the long-awaited comeback carried over to "SWIM," and the song went on to win one of the night's major awards. Best Group showed that BTS remains a force 13 years after its debut. Song of the Year confirmed that its new music can still compete in the global pop market.

LISA's win matters for a different reason. The artist, who built global recognition through BLACKPINK, won in a pop category at this year's VMAs. It shows how the success of a K-pop group can translate into success for its individual members. It is also notable that a Thai artist who debuted in South Korea competed alongside some of the world's biggest pop stars.

This is not the first time a K-pop artist has won in a major VMA category. BTS won Best Pop in 2020 for "ON," earning recognition outside the K-pop field. Last year, ROSÉ won Song of the Year for "APT.," her collaboration with Bruno Mars. With BTS's win this year, songs by K-pop artists have now taken the category two years in a row.

ROSÉ's "APT." also topped the IFPI Global Single Chart for 2025, meaning its success was reflected not just in an award but in music consumption around the world. The wins by BTS, ROSÉ and LISA show that K-pop artists reaching major VMA categories is no longer a one-off event.

LISA's case also points to a challenge the K-pop industry still faces. LISA trained in South Korea before debuting as a member of BLACKPINK, but her solo career now runs mainly through her own company, LLOUD, and the U.S. label RCA Records. At the VMAs, she performed her new song "SaWaDiKa," whose title draws on a Thai greeting.

It is natural for LISA to bring her roots into her music. But as she establishes herself as an independent pop star, the K-pop industry's role in her rise may become less visible. K-pop has shown its strength in finding and developing talent. Whether the industry can continue to share in those artists' success after they reach the global stage remains an open question.

Even so, this year's wins are a clear success. BTS returned as a full group and won Song of the Year. LISA developed as an artist within the K-pop system and won Best Pop as a soloist. The two trophies are another reminder that K-pop has produced music and artists capable of competing on the global stage.