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BLACKPINK’s Rosé has become the first K-pop artist to capture a top prize at the MTV Video Music Awards.

On September 7 in New York’s UBS Arena, Rosé won Song of the Year for “APT.”, her duet with Bruno Mars. The VMAs are counted among the United States’ four major music awards alongside the Grammys, Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards. Song of the Year is one of the VMAs’ three grand prizes, along with Video of the Year and Artist of the Year, honoring both artistry and popularity. With BLACKPINK also taking Best Group, Rosé left with two trophies.

Her victory makes her the first K-pop act to win a principal (non-genre) VMA category. BTS was nominated for the same award with “Dynamite” in 2021 but did not win.

“APT.” is a ballad that blends jazz and R&B inflections with an experimental arrangement and finely drawn emotions. Rosé’s signature husky tone complements Bruno Mars’s smooth melodies, resonating with listeners worldwide. While the lyrics are largely in English, brief Korean lines that carry Rosé’s distinct sensibility have been praised as preserving K-pop identity in a global-facing record.

Since adding a K-pop category in 2019, the VMAs have reflected the genre’s popularity, but major awards have largely gone to mainstream pop acts. Rosé’s win signals broader recognition of K-pop as global music defined by universal feeling and high craftsmanship, rather than a niche category.

In her acceptance speech, Rosé said, “What matters more than the nationality or language of music is sincerity,” adding, “I thank Bruno for making this song with me, and I dedicate this trophy to fans around the world.” She continued, “I dedicate this trophy to my 16-year-old self who chased a dream. I’m happy to receive this award as a moment that rewards all the effort.”

Industry watchers said the win underscores Rosé’s expanding artistic range, while her collaboration with pop icon Bruno Mars amplified — rather than diluted — K-pop’s identity.

Pop culture critic Park Song-ah said, “Rosé’s win is meaningful because K-pop is no longer confined to genre exceptionalism; it’s being recognized at the center of the global music ecosystem for both artistry and mass appeal,” adding, “It shows that beyond performance, narrative and emotion alone can win mainstream resonance.”

K-pop picked up four awards overall this year. Along with Rosé and BLACKPINK’s wins, CatsEye took PUSH Performance of the Year, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa earned her third Best K-Pop. Video of the Year went to Ariana Grande’s brighter days ahead, while Lady Gaga led all winners with four trophies, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration.